Consumer/Participant Direction

A series of PHI issue briefs describes the direct-care workforces in several states. Specifically, the briefs focus on Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Massachusetts, Iowa, Vermont and New York City. Despite growth in this industry, direct-care workers in all states face numerous challenges. In each of the states reviewed by PHI, direct-care jobs do not offer benefits or pay competitive wages. Review the facts and data for each of these states.

The purpose of the review is to determine whether essential participant-directed program components are in place and to identify areas where assistance may still be needed. Review a presentation and audio archive to understand expectations. Also included is a consumer experience flowchart which describes the criteria sites must meet in order to be approved to deliver VDHCBS.

The Stories and Guides demonstrate Think–Plan–Do: how to think about what you want, create a plan to get there, and take action to be successful. These online guides and videos help people with developmental disabilities live self-determined lives. There are 15 topics including Planning and Decision Making, Taking Care of Yourself, Listening and Speaking, and Making Goals Happen.

A certificate-based instructional program designed to teach participants the basic roles and responsibilities of being a Community Guide; one who works with an individual with a disability to help with the process of self-directing services and supports. Use this guide as you designs your program as one way to approach training and enabling members of your community to better provide these desired services.

The purpose of this report is fourfold: 1) to present a brief overview of the results of the Systems Change grants awarded from FY 2001 through FY 2004, 2) to describe the remaining challenges to community living that Grantees identified, 3) to provide Grantees’ recommendations for actions needed at the state and federal level to further improve their long-term care systems, and 4) to discuss the key lessons learned regarding factors that are needed to improve states’ long-term care systems.

CMS awarded the fourth round of 3-year grants for RCSC in Sept 2004. Three categories of grants were awarded: Research and Demonstration grants (40), Technical Assistance grants (10), and Feasibility Study and Development grants (2). This report focuses on the outcomes and Enduring Systems Improvements in Housing, Comprehensive Systems Reform, Mental Health Systems Transformation, Quality, Rebalancing, and Family to Family Grantees.

States increasingly require criminal background checks for home care workers to protect vulnerable adults from harm. While 46 states mandate some type of background check for Medicaid-funded workers, there is no uniform protocol for screening and disqualifying candidates. Developing sound policies and practices is challenging due to costs, database problems & time constraints. The paper offers an up-to-date assessment of practices, policy considerations & research and guidance on moving forward.

How can states use debit cards in their consumer-directed purchasing programs? The Sept 2009 Community Living Partnership TA Call addressed this financial management question. States have used pre-paid plans as part of their MFP and CLP grants. Review a matrix of pre-paid card companies and their methods for spending. Also included is a Proposed Procedure for Debit Card Purchases developed for the Veterans-Directed Home and Community Based Services Programs.

This handbook will help participants in the IRIS Program organize and catalog the information they need to self-direct. The handbook includes information on resources, support and services plan, arranging for services, supports and goods, a glossary and FAQ section. The handbook can be downloaded in English (Large Print and Audio), Spanish, Russian, Hmong, and ASL (movie).

IRIS is a self-directed, long-term care option for elderly people and adults with disabilities. This Medicaid waiver program sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is available in the 47 counties where Family Care operates. Their website provides information about the program, forms, FAQs, enrollment information and FSA and Participant Handbook.