PODCASTEpisode 6 — Home Healthcare and Community Medicaid: Aging in Place
Many older adults express a strong desire to remain in their homes as they age, but as care needs increase, families often wonder if this is financially sustainable. How can you provide the necessary care for a loved one who wishes to stay at home, and is Medicaid an option to help cover these expenses?
In this episode of Into the Woods, elder law attorney Kelly Gusmano joins host Dave Shaffer for her third appearance to discuss Community Medicaid and home healthcare options. They explore how Community Medicaid differs from nursing home Medicaid, with particular attention to the current absence of a five-year lookback period—making it easier to qualify while preserving assets. Kelly explains the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which allows family members (except spouses) to be paid as caregivers, and discusses strategies for managing excess income through pooled trusts to maintain eligibility. With potential regulatory changes on the horizon in 2026, this episode provides timely information for families considering home care options.