If you or a loved one in Wichita needs help at home, the Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver may cover the cost of care, including support from a family member or friend.
For many Wichita families near Via Christi, Wesley Medical Center, or aging in place in neighborhoods like College Hill or Riverside, staying home isn’t just a preference, it’s the goal.
1. What Is the Frail Elderly Waiver?
The FE Waiver is part of Kansas Medicaid (KanCare). It promotes independence while allowing seniors to receive care at home instead of moving into a nursing facility [1].
It’s part of the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) system, designed to support independence and reduce institutional care [2].
2. Who Qualifies in Wichita?
To qualify, you must:
- Be 65 or older
- Meet nursing home level-of-care criteria
- Meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements [1]
Functional eligibility is determined through an assessment coordinated by the state or its partners [3].
3. What Services Are Covered?
The FE Waiver may include:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing)
- Meal preparation
- Mobility assistance
- Medication reminders
- Safety monitoring
These services are meant to help individuals remain safely at home [1][2].
4. Can a Family Member Be Paid?
Yes. Kansas allows self-directed care, meaning participants can choose a family member or friend as their caregiver and have them compensated through the program [4].
5. How to Apply in Wichita
The process typically includes:
- Applying for KanCare (Medicaid)
- Contacting the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
- Completing a functional assessment
- Receiving authorization through a Managed Care Organization (MCO) [3][5]
6. Serving Wichita, KS
At Guardian Home Care of KS, we support families across Wichita and Sedgwick County, including areas like College Hill, Riverside, and Derby.
Whether you’re near Via Christi or Wesley Medical Center, we help you navigate Medicaid programs and access care at home with confidence.
7. How Guardian Home Care of KS Helps
We help Wichita families:
- Understand eligibility
- Navigate enrollment
- Set up caregiver pay
- Coordinate with case managers
You can learn more about our services and how we can help by visiting our Frail Elderly Services page. Remember, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
If you’re in Wichita and need help getting care at home or getting paid as a caregiver: 📞 Call Guardian Home Care of KS or request a callback today. We’ll walk you through every step.
References & Resources
[1] Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver – KDADS: Official Kansas overview of eligibility, services, and structure
[2] HCBS Programs Overview – KDADS: Explains how waiver programs support in-home care instead of institutional care
[3] HCBS Assessment Process – Maximus Kansas: Details how functional eligibility assessments are conducted
[4] Self-Directed Care in Kansas – Paying for Senior Care: Explains caregiver choice and compensation options
[5] KanCare Program Overview: Kansas Medicaid system and enrollment process
