Why New York Seniors Need To Understand Their Home Care Rights More Than Ever
With a rapidly growing senior population, navigating the complex world of home care in New York has become increasingly difficult for many seniors and their families – especially when it comes to knowing their rights, what Medicaid funded programs are available, and what responsibilities fall to the home care agencies they work with. With all this going on, understanding their home care rights in New York State is becoming more important by the day to make sure seniors get the best quality, safest, most respectful care they deserve, at home.
According to data from New York State, nearly 1.4 million people currently rely on some type of home care; that number will likely continue to grow as more seniors decide to stay in their homes instead of moving to nursing homes or other long term care facilities. By knowing your rights you can help protect the quality of care and peace of mind you want for yourself and your loved ones.
Right to Get Care At Home
New York seniors have the right to receive care in the least restrictive way possible; for many seniors, that means receiving care in their own home. Research shows that over 90 percent of older adults would like to age at home rather than move to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Home care can include:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, walking assistance)
- Companionship and supervision
- Preparation of meals and light housekeeping
- Reminders of medication and general health monitoring
A key element of a care plan is that it is person-centered, meaning each service is tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs, not everyone receives the same services.
Eligibility For Medicaid Funded Home Care Services
Medicaid plays a significant role in financing home care services in New York. It is estimated that over 70 percent of all home care services in New York are financed through Medicaid.
Important Medicaid rights include:
- The right to be assessed for home care eligibility
- The right to receive services after an approval of home care services
- The right to appeal if home care services are reduced or denied
- The right to select a Medicaid-approved home care agency
Importantly, families should understand that home care hours are determined by a senior’s medical and functional needs – not by the availability of home care agencies.
How CDPAP Works (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program)
CDPAP is a New York State program designed to give seniors more control over their care. Through CDPAP, eligible seniors can:
- Select their own caregiver (such as a family member or friend) to provide care
- Control how and when care is provided
- Maintain their independence and still receive Medicaid-funded assistance
Recent New York State reports indicate that over 250,000 New Yorkers utilize CDPAP, making it one of the largest home care options available to New York State residents.
Duties Of Licensed Home Care Agencies
All licensed home care agencies in New York have specific legal obligations. These obligations include:
- Hiring caregivers who have been properly trained and have undergone thorough background checks
- Following a care plan that was developed by a qualified professional
- Respecting the rights and privacy of patients
- Providing adequate communication with families
- Promptly addressing concerns or complaints of families
Home care agencies are required to operate under regulations established by the New York State Department of Health, which provides additional protections for seniors.
Family Rights And Advocacy
Families also have important rights, including:
- Having access to care plans and updates about their loved ones’ care
- Being able to report any problems or concerns regarding care without fear of retaliation
- Being included in decision-making related to the care of their loved ones
- Requesting a reevaluation of care needs if those needs change
Studies have shown that families who actively participate in the planning process for their loved ones’ care experience better outcomes and greater satisfaction with home care services.
What The Future Holds (2026)
As policies continue to evolve and the demand for home care continues to increase, having knowledge of home care rights is the greatest defense. Having knowledge of home care rights will enable families to plan ahead, avoid making decisions during crises and provide consistency and dignity to the care received by seniors.
At Angel Care Inc. Brooklyn, we believe quality home care begins with transparency, trust and education. We support our clients and their families in learning about Medicaid, CDPAP and the obligations of home care agencies, so that they can confidently advocate for themselves and their loved ones to receive the highest level of care possible.
Winter wellness at home has never been more important for our older adult population, particularly here in NY where colder weather and short daylight hours reduce opportunities for outdoor activities. This reduction in mobility combined with the increased feelings of isolation and seasonal low moods contributes to a decrease in general well-being for many seniors. U.S. health data suggests that approximately 60% of seniors experience reduced physical activity during winter and that more than 40% report experiencing greater isolation during the colder months. Daily routines and proper support can make the winter months a positive, healthy and engaging time of the year for older adults. Why Does Winter Wellness Need More Support? As the temperature drops, older adults are more likely to encounter challenges that pose significant risks to their well-being, including: Slipping on ice and falling Decreased mobility Worsened joint stiffness and chronic pain Increased feelings of loneliness or depression Research also suggests that 1 in 4 seniors will experience a fall annually, and that this risk increases exponentially when exposed to winter's hazardous conditions. Maintaining physical and emotional health through indoor engagement is critical to preventing both physical and emotional decline. Staying Physically Active at Home Regardless of whether you leave your home, maintaining some form of physical activity is vital to maintaining your strength, balance, and ability to live independently. Examples of safe indoor activities include: Stretching (light) and chair exercises Balancing/mobility guided routines Walking (short distances) around the house Bodyweight strength training Research suggests that seniors participating in low-impact physical activity on a regular basis experience a 30% lower incidence of mobility related issues, while maintaining a higher level of overall health. Home care staff can assist with exercises, helping ensure the movements are suitable and minimizing the potential for injury. Maintaining Your Mental & Emotional Wellbeing In addition to physical health, your mental well being is equally important during the winter. Prolonged lack of sunlight and social interaction can lead to anxiety, low mood, and cognitive decline. Several effective methods to support mental health include: Conversation/companionship daily Games/puzzles/reading memory stimulation Music, art, or other creative hobbies Consistent daily routine National studies reveal that approximately one-third of seniors experience loneliness, which is associated with a higher risk of developing depression and cognitive decline. Maintaining communication with caregivers daily is integral to establishing emotional stability. Keeping Yourself Engaged & Entertained Inside During the Winter Months There are several ways to stay engaged and entertained indoors during the winter months to keep seniors mentally stimulated and emotionally satisfied. Some popular engagement options include: Watch classic movies or TV shows together Prepare/cook simple meals/bake Participate in video calls with family/friends Complete light household chores that give them a sense of purpose Structured daily activities can motivate seniors to participate, become involved, and feel connected. Role of Home Care in Supporting Winter Wellness Caregivers working in-home environments support seniors by providing consistent care throughout the winter months, including: Safe assistance with mobility to minimize the risk of falls Reminder of medication and health monitoring Emotional support/conversation Motivation to engage in physical and mental activities Research reveals that seniors with ongoing in-home care experience a 20-25% reduction in emergency hospital admissions due to the in-home caregiver's proactive interventions and daily observations during the winter months. A Healthier, Safer Winter at Home Just because it is winter does not mean that seniors have to be inactive or disconnected. A proper care plan allows seniors to be active, healthy, and emotionally supported – all from the comfort of their own home. Angel Care Inc. HHA believes that winter wellness is about much more than just staying safe – it is about maintaining a senior's quality of life, dignity and connection. We are committed to supporting our seniors in navigating the winter months with confidence, comfort, and compassionate care – right where they feel most secure – in their own home.
