by Annette Pinder
David Dunkelman, President and CEO of Weinberg Campus knows if you ask most seniors if they want to age independently in their own homes, they likely will say yes. He also knows that baby boomers are turning 65 at a rate of about 8,000 per day and 95 percent of people over age 55 want to age in place, regardless of their health.
But something that Dunkelman struggled with for a long time is how people with a long- term chronic illness could also live at home safely and independently. He understood the heartache and frustration of already busy adult children who constantly worried about their loved ones living alone. Who was checking on them? Making sure they were taking their medications? How could they get to their appointments safely?
Now Dunkelman has the answer in a newly formed company called Fallon Health Weinberg. Weinberg Campus, the region’s largest aging health campus, has created a joint venture with Fallon Health of Massachusetts to expand services already provided through the former Total Aging in Place Program in Erie County. Now Fallon Health Weinberg is providing options that have never before been available to people in our region who need managed long-term comprehensive in-home care.
One option, Managed Long Term Care, more commonly referred to as an MLTC, is a managed care plan that is approved by the New York State Department of Health. Best of all, it is available at no additional charge for those who are Medicaid eligible, and in need long-term care because of a long-lasting health condition or disability or those who have complex needs.
MLTC services focus on care in the home and community including home care, personal care by a home attendant (including housekeeping services), a home health aide, visiting nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and private duty nursing. They can also receive home delivered meals, home modifications to ensure safety, medical equipment and supplies, respiration therapy, hearing aids and eyeglasses. Specialty medical services, including podiatry and dental care, and non-emergency medical transportation to doctor offices and clinics are also provided.
To receive services that aren’t covered by the MLTC, individuals use their Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan and regular Medicaid. MLTC members keep their own primary care physician and specialists.
“Partnering with Fallon Health creates an exciting opportunity for Weinberg Campus to expand our services to residents of Erie and Niagara Counties that encourages healthy, independent, dignified, and engaged lifestyles,” said Dunkelman. Patrick Hughes, Fallon Health President and CEO, adds, “Fallon Heath Weinberg will improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve, making it possible to offer immediate unsurpassed health care and services, that will have a meaningful and compassionate impact on so many people.”
Fallon Health Weinberg is located in Amherst, NY. Learn more about eligibility www.weinberg.org or by calling 716-250-3100 or toll free at 866-882-8185. TTY users call 711.
