People with disabilities who wish to remain independent in their own homes have many options available to them, including family care, community habilitation and group homes – some of these options may even be covered by Medicaid.
OPWDD provides residential support program for adults with disabilities in community-based settings managed by providers, including group homes and supervised apartments.
Continuum of Care
A continuum of care is an approach to healthcare delivery that allows hospitals to monitor patients at various points in time, without needing to repeat tests and procedures over and over again. It is especially useful in maintaining long-term patient health care for elderly or those living with chronic illnesses.
Funds allocated through Continuum of Care programs may be spent on any combination of permanent housing, transitional housing, supportive services only (HSMIS), homelessness prevention (HOMIS), administrative costs (including administrative fees). To meet eligibility criteria a Continuum must implement and operate an assessment system within its geographical region that facilitates uniform assessments across its program components.
Solo applicants who believe that they were denied an equitable participation in the Continuum of Care planning process can appeal their funding decision directly to HUD in writing and according to any requirements provided by notice.
Lifelong Enrichment Program (LEP)
LEP assists individuals aged 50 or over who find themselves experiencing a difficult transition when their parents or siblings, who were once primary caregivers, become frail or pass away. It provides guidance in making informed decisions regarding future living arrangements while offering financial planning and community safety training, among other support.
LEP provides recreation and socialization opportunities through special occasion parties, potlucks, trips and a bowling league which meets weekly with two annual tournaments for competition.
Finally, this program assists individuals with disabilities in purchasing and using assistive technology (AT) devices that will increase their independence and quality of life. This may include funding grants that make these devices affordable; additionally it supports training on their use and maintenance.
Independent Living Supports (ISS)
Independent Living Supports is a housing subsidy program for people with developmental disabilities who choose to reside independently in their homes or apartments in the community. Participants in this program may live alone or share an apartment; both types receive certain number of hours of services from Community Habilitation staff that help with grocery shopping, cooking, paying bills and maintaining their homes.
Some residents living independently can benefit from having a “Paid Neighbor”, often called an in-home caregiver who assists with daily activities and other needs as needed. Other individuals living independently receive environmental modifications (e.g. wider doors and ramps). Furthermore, they may take part in day programs, community habilitation or work programs as needed.
Group Homes
No matter their needs or wishes, group homes can provide your adult loved one with extra care or just the safety and comfort of home environment they require. Group homes are typically run by non-profit organizations or state regional programs; larger facilities may include multiple homes in a cluster with central administration location.
Your loved one will be in a community filled with individuals experiencing similar disabilities who can share experiences and offer support. Many homes also provide activities designed to enhance daily routines while stimulating mind, body and spirit.
Racker operates residential services across Tompkins, Cortland and Tioga Counties that adhere to person centered planning – an approach which ensures participants feel valued, heard and given every chance possible to achieve their goals.
Host Homes
Host homes provide individuals with disabilities a comfortable home-like setting and customized support services in an individualized program environment, such as residential habilitation, meal delivery and homemaking assistance services, respite care or specialized therapy therapies – services contracted from OPWDD or another provider agency.
Under this program, clients reside in private family homes with hosts and other participants; each person has their own bedroom. Host families are carefully vetted for safety and stability and receive training on providing the most beneficial and relevant services possible to each participant.
We provide hosts and guests with a waiver of liability to safeguard them from negligence or harm, as well as an effective dispute resolution process for when conflicts may arise – this program is available to youth with legal histories as well.
