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How do you figure things out regarding disability services?
There’s no disability guidebook, but sometimes I wish there was. I’ve had to figure things out throughout my life, sometimes with little to no guidance. Lately, I feel like I’m floundering. Not only am I still struggling with the process of filling in gaps in my caregiver schedule, but I’m also amid a mandated change with my service providers.
Do you embrace change?
It’s hard even to explain because I don’t fully understand it myself. Instead of PCA Choice, I’m being transitioned to CFSS. Although I’m assured my services will remain the same, I’m not confident. I must choose between the agency model and the budget model. Then, I select a consultation provider. More cooks in the kitchen, oh joy. Are you familiar with these service structures?
Since I’m reluctant to believe the agency can fulfill what’s outlined in the agency model I’m leaning towards the budget model. I do have my reservations about that as well but those are my choices.
As far as consultation services, I might as well throw a dart. Basically, I was emailed a list with about 20 choices and told I’ll need to pick one.
Do you have any recommendations on what to look for?
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5 Replies
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I had to Google CFSS; Obviously, it is a local Minnesota program. In Ohio, we have a different PCA program: only working people or actively looking for a job or currently in training for a job or a career are eligible for it, so it is pretty challenging, and it only covers 35 hours a week. So, unfortunately, my experience is very different. BTW, we don’t have such a requirement as a consulting provider. What is it about?
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Here I thought CFSS was a national thing making its debut in Minnesota. Other than what Google says no one can tell me much about it. Sounds great on paper but something about it gives me an icky feeling.
Do you have to go through your county for services? What’s the process like?
35 hours a week sounds ridiculous. That’s just 5 hours a day. How does someone make that work? Legitimate question. If I could get by with 5 hrs I would. However, just eating, sleeping and going to the bathroom eats that up in a hurry. These constraints are so challenging when we’re just trying to make a go of it.
As far as I can attain, the Consultation Provider is some kind of a fraud prevention tool. I heard through the grapevine finding one taking on new clients is a feat in and of itself, so yeah looking forward to it. Other than that I’m clueless. If my livelihood wasn’t at stake I’d just tell the county I’ll go with the seventh one on the list and see what happens.
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I promise to get back with as many details as I can provide – I was just driving by my computer while waiting for guests to arrive. Happy New Year to you and everyone you wish it to!
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Ugh, I don’t have any advice for you, but I can empathize. I’m going through my own set of changes as my dad retired last week, and I had to get new health insurance since I was on his. It was kind of a nightmare. I hope you figure things out soon!
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HI Deanne,
I cannot agree more that five hours a day is an insufficient amount of care for people with our diagnosis. However, this program (it’s called PCA – Personal Care Assistance) is separate from Medicaid and Ohio Home Care Waiver which we also have in our state. As I said, to qualify for it you have to be either working and earning at least $11,200/year, or looking for a job (and you have to report weekly to the agency, which is ridiculous) or be in training for a job.
Through the Waiver you can get as much as 48 hours of help (in my case); When I asked my caseworker if I could get more she told me it’s practically impossible. And, good luck with finding a reliable aide (or home health care agency) – at this point, I could probably write a book about my (mostly sad) experience.
So, these programs are unrelated to each other. I found out about PCA from my counselor at the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (now it’s Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities) years ago; you don’t have to go through the county, you are applying directly through OOD and if there is an opening, they take you on the program. I was on the waiting list for four years, now it’s been 14 years with them. They transfer you the money biweekly and you are responsible for hiring and paying people (it could be your relatives, as well). That’s probably all I can tell off the top of my head. Anyway, this information is useless to you because it’s a state program, not federal. But, I guess, it makes sense for you to ask around – I know that many states have similar programs. Hopefully, there is one in your state.
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