Program Description
Oregon Project Independence (OPI) is a program for senior Oregon residents or residents with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder. OPI offers participants assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating, transferring/mobility and shopping for essentials.
This program does allow for some consumer direction, meaning that eligible applicants are able to hire the person of their choosing for some services. For instance, relatives, but not spouses, can be paid to provide homecare services. Though it’s important to note they must be qualified to provide the services.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
- Must be at least 60 years old. If under 60, the applicant must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related disorder.
- Must be an Oregon resident.
- Must require a nursing-home level of care.
- Cannot live in a nursing home, assisted living community, residential care facility, or adult foster home.
- Cannot be eligible for services through Medicaid.
Financial Requirements
Participants should have income that is below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2023, that equates to $4,860 a month. Individuals with income over 400% of the FPL can participate in the program but will pay the full hourly rate of the services provided.
Benefits and Services
This program is intended to prevent or delay nursing home placement. Services are provided in the home and can include the following:
- Assistive technology, such as walkers and wheelchairs
- Case management
- Personal care – assistance with activities of daily living
- Homemaker – meal preparation, housekeeping, money management, grocery shopping, medication management
- Meal delivery
- Respite care – in-home and out-of-home
- Transportation assistance
- Nutrition counseling
The copy for services is based on a sliding fee scale and is determined by the income of the participating individual. The participant’s copay ranges from free to 90% of the cost of services. The figures below are accurate for 2023 and are based on the federal poverty level (FPL).
|
% of FPL
|
Yearly Income
|
Cost Share
|
|
0-150%
|
$0-$21,870
|
0%
|
|
151-175%
|
$21,871-$25,515
|
5%
|
|
176-200%
|
$25,516-$29,160
|
10%
|
|
201-225%
|
$29,161-$32,805
|
20%
|
|
226-250%
|
$32,806-$36,450
|
30%
|
|
251-275%
|
$36,451-$40,095
|
40%
|
|
276-300%
|
$40,096-$43,740
|
50%
|
|
301-325%
|
$43,741-$47,385
|
60%
|
|
326-350%
|
$47,386-$51,030
|
70%
|
|
351-375%
|
$51,031-$54,675
|
80%
|
|
376-400%
|
$54,676-$58,320
|
90%
|
Those persons whose incomes exceed 400% of the FPL pay the full hourly rate of the service provided. However, medical expenses (health insurance premiums, health care bills, co-payments for prescription drugs, etc.) can be deducted from one’s income, which may effectively lower one’s cost of services.
It should be noted that the full rate for a service purchased through this program is often considerably lower than the rate would be for the same service purchased on the open market directly from a home care provider.
How to Apply / Learn More
Oregon Project Independence is a program administered by the state’s 17 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). To apply, find your local AAA office.
One can also find additional program information on the Oregon Department of Human Services’ website.
Did You Know? Health care costs are 300% higher for persons with Alzheimer’s than individuals of similar age without the disease. This doesn’t even include the cost of non-medical care and supervision. Learn about other financial assistance for Alzheimer’s.
