Oregon Project Independence (OPI) for the Elderly & Alzheimer’s Patients

Page Reviewed / Updated - Apr. 2019

Program Description

Oregon Project Independence (OPI) is a statewide program designed for non-Medicaid eligible, elderly, Oregon residents and individuals that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related condition. This program provides participants with supervision in their homes, as well as assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which includes mobility, grooming, preparation of food, shopping for essentials, and more.

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, though not spouses, can be paid to provide homecare services. Though it’s important to note they must be qualified to provide the services and have a provider number.

Eligibility Guidelines

• Must be at least 60 years old OR if under the age of 60, one must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related dementia, including Multi-Infarct Dementia, Parkinson's, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), Pick’s, Huntington's, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, and inoperable brain tumors. In addition, because of the cognitive deficits that can be related to Multiple Sclerosis, this diagnosis is also included. 
• Must be an Oregon resident
• Must require the level of care typically provided in a nursing home
• Cannot reside in a nursing home, assisted living community, residential care facility, or adult foster home. 
• Cannot be eligible for receiving services through Oregon Medicaid

Benefits and Services

This program is intended to reduce Medicaid funded, nursing home placements for the elderly, as well as individuals with Alzheimer's. Therefore, services are provided to individuals in their homes with the goal of increasing or maintaining the beneficiary's independence. Services may vary by county, but generally include the following:

• Adult Day Care
• Assistive Technology, such as walkers and wheelchairs
• Case Management
• Chore Services – yard work, sidewalk maintenance, window cleaning, etc.
• Home / Personal Care – assistance with activities of daily living
• Homemaker – meal preparation, minor housekeeping, money management, grocery shopping, medication management 
• Meal Delivery
• Respite Care – In-home and Out-of-home
• Skilled Nursing Services
• Transportation Assistance

The cost of services provided in this program depends on the income of the participating individual. Program participants who are single individuals (one-person households) whose annual incomes are at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), $18,735 for 2019, receive services free of charge. This amount equates to $1,561 / month. For one-person households whose income is between 151% and 400% of the FPL, up to $49,960 in 2019, there is a sliding scale. In monthly figures, this amount equals $4,163. 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. There is no fee for case management and meal delivery.

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.