Monroe County home care › Questions
Monroe County home careQuestions families ask us
Straight answers about Medicaid personal care in Monroe County. Don't see yours? Call (585) 444-9245.
Monroe County gave me a list of personal care agencies. How do I choose Priority Cares?
Tell your Monroe County caseworker that you would like Priority Cares Home Services as your personal care agency, then call us on (585) 444-9245. We will take it from there with the county, set up a nurse visit and plan your aide's days and hours with you.
I have not been approved for personal care yet. Can you still help?
Yes. Call us and we will explain the steps for Medicaid personal care in Monroe County and who to contact. Applications go through the Monroe County Department of Human Services at 111 Westfall Road, Rochester, and New York uses an independent assessment to decide how much help someone needs.
What will the aide help with?
Everyday tasks at home: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, moving around safely, and household help such as meals, laundry, shopping and light cleaning. A nurse visits to assess needs and supervises the plan of care.
Can you provide live-in care or one aide for two people in the same home?
Where Monroe County authorizes it, yes: we can provide live-in personal care, and a shared aide when two people in the same household both need help. Your caseworker decides the type and hours of care.
What is the difference between a personal care aide and a home health aide?
A personal care aide (PCA) helps with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, light housekeeping and meals. A home health aide (HHA) does all of that and has extra training to help with health-related tasks under a nurse's plan of care, such as help with medications or simple exercises.
Do you provide NHTD or TBI waiver services in Monroe County?
No. Priority Cares is approved for the NHTD and TBI waivers in New York City only. In Monroe County the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) can connect you with an approved waiver provider: Rochester Regional Health, St. Mary's Campus (the RRDC for Monroe, Ontario, Genesee, Livingston, Wayne, Seneca and Yates counties), (585) 368-3766. We are happy to help you make that call.
Where is your office and when can I reach you?
Our office is at 510 Clinton Square in downtown Rochester. We answer Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on (585) 444-9245. Call before you visit so the right coordinator is available.
Is there a program called Monroe Direct?
Not by that name. People often mean Medicaid home care that goes through Monroe County directly, rather than through a managed care plan. If that is you, and the county approved personal care, you can choose Priority Cares from the county's list of personal care agencies.
How many hours of care will I get?
The county decides the hours after the New York Independent Assessor assessment. We provide care for the days and hours the county approves and work with you on the schedule.
Can I choose my aide?
We match your aide to your needs, routine and location, and we listen. If the match is not right, call your coordinator and we will work on it.
I already have an agency. Can I switch to Priority Cares?
Talk to your Monroe County caseworker about changing agencies, and call us. We will explain what the change involves.
What if my needs change?
Call us. Our nurse can reassess, and we can work with the county if your care plan needs to change.
Do I have to be home-bound?
No. Personal care is about the help you need with everyday activities at home.
Not sure where you are in the process?
That is okay. Call our Rochester office, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and we will walk you through it.