The Pre-admission or Functional Eligibility Determination Assessment provides a comprehensive assessment of individuals who are unable to live independently. Any individual, age 18 or older, who can no longer live alone and would require financial assistance to maintain placement can receive this assessment at no charge. All individuals applying for Domiciliary Care, the Personal Care Supplement or MA payment in a Nursing Home must be evaluated through this process.

The Federal law, known as the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA), requires that each State establishes a Pre-admission Assessment program for any nursing home facility participating in the Medicare and Medical Assistance Program. The purpose of conducting this assessment is to determine whether individuals, regardless of their income and/or resources, who are diagnosed as either mentally ill, intellectually disabled or having other related conditions, require nursing facility services. If the applicant is diagnosed with one of these conditions and requires nursing facility services, it also determines whether he/she will require special treatment for their condition.

The Domiciliary Care Program offers a protected, community-based living arrangement for adults (age 18 and over) who are unable to live independently due to a physical, visual, or any mental limitation. A Dom Care Home is a private residence, with a family-like atmosphere, inspected and approved by Agency care managers, that provides room, board, personal care services and a supportive environment. Agency Dom Care staff monitor homes through visits to assure that the quality of care and satisfaction of the consumer is preserved. Placement into a Dom Care Home is based on the consumer’s specialized care needs. State funding may be available to assist with the payment of room and board.

A Personal Care Home (PCH) is a community residential setting where room, board, and personal care services are provided by the owner to four or more adults who are not related to the owner. PCH’s are licensed and monitored by the Department of Human Service. AAA care managers can assist persons seeking PCH placement finding a home and/or arranging for relocation. Special state funds may be available to assist with the payment of room and board.


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1338 South Edgewood Avenue, Somerset PA 15501 T: 814-443-2681 T: 800-452-0825