Dom Care – another name for home


WHAT IS DOMICILIARY CARE?
WHO ARE TYPICAL DOM CARE CONSUMERS?
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DOM CARE PLACEMENT?
WHO ARE TYPICAL DOM CARE PROVIDERS?
HOW ARE CONSUMERS REFERRED?



WHAT IS DOMICILIARY CARE?
  • Dom Care is a housing program for adults (ages 18 and older)
  • Provides care management for consumers
  • Is under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; in Philadelphia it is administered by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
  • Consumers who meet the criteria are matched with private homeowners and renters throughout the city.
  • Certified Dom Care Providers open their homes to up to two consumers and provide support
    and encouragement in a family setting.

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WHO ARE TYPICAL DOM CARE CONSUMERS?
  • Consumers are adults 18 years of age or older who cannot live independently at the current time.
  • Dom Care consumers must be found clinically eligible for the program, which means they have
    some difficulty performing activities of daily living. Consumers include individuals who have a physical disability, a mental health or intellectual disabilities diagnosis, or are frail.
  • Dom Care consumers must be able to vacate the home in case of emergency with minimal verbal and/or physical assistance.
  • Nearly all Dom Care homes in Philadelphia have second floor bedrooms and/or stairways into the home, and cannot accommodate consumers who cannot safely manage stairs.
  • Most Dom Care consumers are involved in day programs or senior centers, or have jobs in the community.
  • Currently, about half of the Dom Care consumers are over 60 years old.

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WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DOM CARE PLACEMENT?
  • Consumers get much more than room and board.
  • Housekeeping and laundry services are provided; in addition, consumers get help with personal hygiene and grooming, as needed.
  • If consumers take medicine, the home provider reminds the consumers to take the correct dosage at the right times.
  • Providers ensure that consumers receive three nutritious meals a day.
  • Because of the small setting, Dom Care consumers receive lots of caring, individualized attention.
  • Dom Care consumers become part of a stable, caring "family" and can enjoy a sense of belonging and a chance for independence that a real home can provide.
  • Dom Care consumers who are SSI eligible are also eligible for a state supplement, which guarantees a personal needs allowance.
  • Consumers choose which home to live in, as well as the option of a private or shared room.
  • A PCA care manager stays involved with the consumer and provider for as long as the consumer lives in that home.

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WHO ARE TYPICAL DOM CARE PROVIDERS?

  • Nurturing individuals who are willing to provide encouragement, care and support.
  • All Dom Care Providers must go through a certification process and are required to attend periodic training sessions coordinated by PCA.
  • Dom Care homes must meet standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging
  • Homes are inspected prior to certification, and providers must have criminal history clearances and satisfactory financial, personal and medical references.
  • Providers are required to have sufficient financial resources to meet household expenses without depending upon a consumer'
  • Homes are recertified annually to determine that providers and homes are still in compliance with the Dom Care regulations and to evaluate the providers' performance and continued ability to provide care.
  • Providers cannot accept relatives as consumers.
  • The monthly Dom Care rate (which is received when a consumer is actually placed in the home) is determined each year by the Commonwealth.

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HOW ARE CONSUMERS REFERRED?

  • All Dom Care applicants must be clinically assessed through PCA’s Long Term Care Access department (LTCA ) . Referrals can be made by telephone through the LTCA intake number, 215-765-9040.
  • Care managers work to match eligible consumers with providers, according to the individual needs and preferences of both the consumer and provider.
  • Consumers and providers are given an opportunity to meet one another before a trial visit is arranged, and both parties must be satisfied with the arrangement before a final placement is made.
  • Generally, the process takes about 6-10 weeks from receipt of the LTCA assessment to placement.


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To refer a CONSUMER, call: 215-765-9040
To apply to become a PROVIDER, call: 215-765-9000 Extension 4437