Frequently Asked Questions

What is home care, and who can benefit from it?

Home care is a personalized support service delivered in the comfort of a client’s home. It benefits older adults, individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, those recovering from surgery or illness, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Services can include personal assistance, skilled nursing, therapy, and household help—promoting independence and improved quality of life.

What services does October Home Care provide?

We offer a full continuum of home care services throughout Pennsylvania, including Skilled Nursing (RN & LPN), Home Health Aide (HHA) Support, Personal Assistance Services (PAS), Respite Care, Pediatric Home Health (ages 0–18), Physical & Occupational Therapy, Medical Consultation & Oversight, Direct Care Services, Support for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID/A Waiver), and Community Integration Services. All services are coordinated under Medicaid waiver programs such as Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA, Act 150, Aging Waiver, and the Consolidated & P/FDS Waivers.

How is my level of care determined?

Our team will help initiate a functional eligibility assessment through your local County Assistance Office (CAO) or a Managed Care Organization (MCO) like PA Health & Wellness, UPMC Community HealthChoices, or AmeriHealth Caritas. Based on this evaluation, we’ll develop a customized care plan in coordination with your physician and support team.

What is a Medicaid waiver, and how does it support home care?

A Medicaid waiver allows the state to fund in-home care services for eligible individuals who would otherwise require institutional care. Waiver programs—like CHC, OBRA, Aging, Act 150, Consolidated, and P/FDS—cover services including personal care, home health aides, respite, skilled nursing, and habilitation services.

Can I choose my own caregiver through the waiver program?

Yes. Under the Participant-Directed Services Option, also known as Agency with Choice (AWC) or Vendor/Fiscal Employer Agent (F/EA) models, you can select and manage your own caregiver. This could be a trusted friend or family member (excluding spouses or legal guardians).

What is the difference between Agency-Directed and Self-Directed services?

Agency-Directed: October Home Care manages staffing, scheduling, payroll, and oversight. Self-Directed (AWC or F/EA): You select and supervise your caregiver with administrative support from a service coordinator or financial agent.

How do I apply for waiver or direct care services?

Contact October Home Care and we’ll guide you through every step—from Medicaid eligibility applications, waiver program enrollment, physician documentation, and coordination with your service coordinator.

What skilled medical services do you provide?

Our skilled team includes Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Physical and Occupational Therapists, and Medical Directors who support clients with wound care, IV therapy, medication management, post-hospitalization recovery, and chronic disease management—all under Medicaid-approved home health plans.

Do you provide pediatric services?

Yes, we offer compassionate pediatric home health care for children with complex needs. Services include personal assistance, skilled nursing, and therapies, tailored to children with developmental delays, autism, and chronic medical conditions.

How do I know my home is safe and my care is protected under HIPAA?

All October Home Care staff are trained in HIPAA compliance, infection control, and client safety protocols. During each visit, staff assess for health hazards or changes in condition and report concerns to our clinical supervisors or your service coordinator immediately.

How can I get a quote for your services?

At October Home Care, we provide free, no-obligation assessments to help determine the type and level of care needed before providing a quote. To get started, simply contact us by phone or through our website’s inquiry form. One of our care coordinators will schedule an initial consultation—either in person or virtually—where we’ll assess your needs, review your eligibility for Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver programs (such as Community HealthChoices, OBRA, Aging Waiver, or Act 150), and discuss service options. Based on this consultation, we will provide a customized quote or, if you qualify, help you enroll in services covered by your waiver or insurance provider. We make it our mission to ensure families have a clear understanding of what services are available and what they may cost—whether privately funded or through a Medicaid program.

What is your pricing structure?

Our pricing structure is tailored based on several factors: Type of service (e.g., personal care, skilled nursing, respite, pediatric care) Frequency and duration of visits Whether the services are covered under a Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver, managed care plan, or paid out-of-pocket Level of care complexity and professional staff needed (e.g., RN vs. HHA) For private-pay clients, rates are typically billed hourly: Home Health Aides / Direct Care Workers / PCAs: Starting at $30/hour Skilled Nursing (RN/LPN): Starting at $100-$200/hour depending on type of service requested Therapies (PT/OT): Evaluations and sessions billed individually based on duration and scope, usually $100-$150 per hour depending on the service For clients enrolled in waiver programs or Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), there are no out-of-pocket costs for services covered under their plan. We will help you confirm eligibility and handle all billing with your insurer or MCO.

How do you ensure the confidentiality of our business and health information?

October Home Care is fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations. Here’s how we protect your information: All staff undergo regular HIPAA and privacy training. Client records are stored in a secure, encrypted electronic health record (EHR) system with restricted access. Only authorized personnel directly involved in your care or service coordination can access personal or medical information. We do not share any client, caregiver, or business information without written consent. Any paper records are stored in locked cabinets in secure offices. We conduct periodic audits and have a full-time compliance officer overseeing privacy practices. Your trust is our top priority. Whether you're a client, a family member, or a referral partner, we take the protection of your information seriously.

Your care. Your story. Our mission.

October Home Care is here to rewrite the narrative. To bring compassion back into care. To build something that lasts—for our clients, our families, and for everyone who’s ever felt unseen in the system.

Your care. Your story. Our mission.

October Home Care is here to rewrite the narrative. To bring compassion back into care. To build something that lasts—for our clients, our families, and for everyone who’s ever felt unseen in the system.