SERVICE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Listed below is a brief synopsis of IHS eligibility criteria. The list is not intended to replace OSA Operating Standards. Each program should be familiar with and refer to the OSA Operating Standards for detailed explanations of IHS client eligibility criteria.

1. Home Delivered Meals
   1. Client is 60+, spouse of a person 60+, or disabled residing with eligible person.
   2. Client is homebound (does not leave the house under normal circumstances).
   3. Client is unable to participate in the congregate nutrition program because of physical or emotional difficulties.
   4. Client is unable to obtain or prepare complete meals.
   5. There is no adult living at the same residence or in the vicinity able and willing to prepare all meals.
   6. Client’s dietary needs can be met by the program (Meals will not jeopardize the client’s health).
   7. Client is able to feed him/herself.
   8. Client agrees to be home when meals are delivered or contact the program when absence is unavoidable.
   9. The following people may receive a meal if the assessment indicates it is in the best interest of the client:
      1. The spouse, regardless of age, of an eligible client;
      2. An unpaid caregiver, age 60+, of an eligible client;
      3. A disabled individual residing with the eligible client.
   10. At the provider’s discretion, persons not otherwise eligible may be provided meals if they pay the full cost of the meal upon delivery. Documentation that full payment has been made shall be maintained.
2. Homemaker
   1. Client is 60+.
   2. Client is not eligible for services through other funding source (DHS/third party reimbursement).
   3. Client is unable to perform routine household tasks.
   4. Client does not have family/friend who can perform routine household tasks sufficiently.
3. Personal Care
   1. Client is 60+
   2. Client is not eligible for services through other funding source (DHS/third party reimbursement).
4. Respite Care
   1. Client is 60+.
   2. Client is not eligible for services through other funding source (third party reimbursement).
   3. Client requires a substitute caregiver while their primary caregiver is in need of relief. (Caregiver does not have to live with client per OSA Caregiver Reporting Primer—July, 2006.)
   4. Client may have difficulty performing or be unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance as a result of physical or cognitive impairment.