AG 2003 05 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I. PROJECT ABSTRACT: The Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) Project in Cabarrus County will work in concert with the already successful Commtmity Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA). It will not require additional staff arid will work to ensure that consumers receive the best and most appropriate care possible. A~propriateness for CDS will be determined as quickly as possible after application and will be ~ssessed monthly by the CAP/DA case manager/care advisor. In the present situation, new applicants are assessed by two CAP/DA case managers who process cases and do initial assessmeltts. Under Consumer-Directed Services (CDS), this would continue, with the variance from the pattern during the assessment process when the consumer would be given information about CDS and given the option to take that path rather than traditional CAP/DA with a c~e manager driven service plan. If the consumer chose traditional case management, it would be administered per "business as usual" and the case would beiassigned to a CAP/DA case manager to serve the client and coordinate appropriate services. If the consumer chose CDS, it would be determined through, further assessment whether o[ not it would be in the best approach. Consideration would be given to any past problems, i~this case had been opened for services previously. Information on the FL-2 would have a significant impact in determining appropriateness for CDS. Particular scrutiny would be given to tbS FL-2 areas regarding mental functioning since these considerations could signific~ntly impact a consumer's ability to self-direct. Once determined appropriate!for CDS, the case would be managed by the consumer, who would have the ability to hire and file their own In-Home Aides, as well as train them in providing necessary functions that may ,not be available in the traditional CAP/DA program. This would allow consumers more leverage to access care that they feel is more appropriate in their particular situation, as well a~ give them "ownership" of their own destiny. In order to ensure that servic4s to the CDS consumers are always proper and necessary, the CAP/DA care advisor would ~aonitor the monthly expenses. This, as well as periodically visiting the consumer, would take pl~e to offer advice, training, and consultation, in both employee situations and technical aspeats of being the director of their own services. If at some point, it is determiited that the CDS consumer's situation has changed or there is an ongoing problem that presen~ itself regularly and appears, in the CAP/DA care advisor's professional judgement, that good service is being compromised, the CDS option will be reassessed. Through close cdnsultation between the consumer, CAP/DA care advisor, and the CAP/DA supervisor, it will b~ determined if further monitoring is needed to get a clearer picture, or if the case needs to revert ~o traditional CAP/DA case management services. It is hopeful that this approach will enhance the potential for the elderly and disabled in Cabarms County to receive the best and most appropriate care possible.