Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly (EISEP)

The Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) provides support at home for those 60 and older who need assistance with their personal care or household chores. This support may include case management, home care, respite for caregivers, and other services that help an older individual stay independent at home. For more information about EISEP, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871.

The Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) provides coordinated, nonmedical services for older adults who aren’t eligible for Medicaid. This assistance is designed to supplement informal care that’s already in place. Local Area Agencies on Aging throughout New York manage EISEP in their respective regions. All EISEP clients receive case management and may be eligible for additional support such as in-home assistance, noninstitutional respite, and ancillary services.

For more information, or to make a referral to EISEP, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging or NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871.

The overall goal of EISEP is to extend an older adult’s ability to age in place at their home and avoid higher levels of care. EISEP’s case managers help eligible older adults access appropriate and cost-effective nonmedical support services that meet their needs and promote their independence. 

EISEP began in 1987 and was established by the New York State Elder Law Section 214. Title 9 Subtitle Y of New York Codes, Rules and Regulations govern the administration of various funding streams and programs, including EISEP. These rules and regulations ensure that EISEP is provided in a uniform manner across New York State. 

EISEP offers four types of services that serve individuals who are at least 60 years old and need assistance due to illness or disability.

Case Management

Case management is an essential component and the heart of EISEP. Under EISEP, all older adults have a trained case manager who assesses their needs, coordinates services, monitors their care, and helps maximize community resources.

In-Home Assistance

Under EISEP, an older individual may receive assistance in their home to help with personal care and household chores. In-home assistance falls into two categories:
 

1. Personal Care I involves help with activities such as housekeeping, cooking, and shopping. These tasks are also called Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.
2. Personal Care II includes all tasks in Personal Care I plus activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. These tasks are also called Activities of Daily Living.

Depending on where the older adult lives, in-home assistance may be provided in different ways.

Traditionally, EISEP in-home assistance was provided through a licensed home care services agency. Some Area Agencies on Aging offer additional models of service delivery. These additional models include consumer-directed in-home services and a direct-hire model where the in-home worker is employed by the Area Agency on Aging.

Noninstitutional Respite

Caregivers of EISEP clients may receive a temporary break in caregiving called respite. Respite relieves a primary caregiver from the stresses and strains often associated with caregiving. Under EISEP, an older adult may attend a social day program or receive in-home personal care, which allows their caregiver to recharge.

Ancillary Services

Under EISEP, older adults may receive a broad category of goods and services that promote their independence, quality of life, and ability to stay at home. These services are varied and may include home repairs, assistive devices, or personal items.

To be eligible for EISEP, an individual must:

• Be at least 60 years old
• Need assistance with at least one activity of daily living or two instrumental activities of daily living
• Be able to be maintained safely at home
• Not be eligible for the same services under Medicaid

For more information about EISEP, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging or NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871.