Med Waiver News

Personal Care Services

(Respite)

With the giant increase in per client care costs, the recent budget cuts, and the upcoming year's budget not yet being released, it is no wonder that the availability of some services and service providers are extremely limited.  It seems that one of the hardest hit is "respite" (those people who serve as companions or Personal Care Attendants - PCA).

People are awaiting services who are already enrolled with the Department of Children and Families, Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP).  This means that the Referral forms have been completed and processed and all the material required to determine the applicant's eligibility has been submitted and approved.  A State Support Coordinator has prepared the Support Plan and Cost Plan (Budget) that has been submitted to DDP for funding and the appropriate Service Providers are about to be selected.  Some applications date back as far July 1, 1999!

Now don't be disheartened.  If your child qualifies for Medicaid, they qualify for Med-waiver.  However, you must apply since this program is voluntary.  Qualifying for Social Security, Medicaid and Food Stamps does not automatically make them DDP clients.  Though the waiting list seems endless and the services few and far between, it is imperative that you add your child to this list.  Once a Med-waiver recipient, they are a recipient for life!  Services will continue to become available, however, if your child is not a "recipient" how can you expect them to "receive"?  Please contact District 13 at (352) 732-1441 for an initial appointment as soon as possible.

In answer to the many Respite questions we have received:

Respite recipients must live in their own home/community rather than an institution.

The individual's needs must reflect that respite is medically necessary or that it is necessary for their daily living.  In other words if they need assistance with getting up and preparing for their daily activities in the morning, they may qualify for a Personal Care Provider for 2 or 3 hours in the morning.  Likewise, if they need assistant with preparing or eating their evening meal or getting ready for bed at night, they may qualify for a Personal Care Provider for 2 or 3 hours in the evening.

Those of you with respite providers you are currently using (family or friends included) who wish to be paid by Med-waiver, keep in mind that they must first submit an application to Tallahassee and become a CDS certified provider.  This is a process that could take anywhere from 2-4 months.  Please have them contact Jim Davis (District 13) at (352) 330-2162 x6265 for more information.

For more detailed information go to http://www.myflorida.com and next to the 'search' box click on the 'Directory' -- 'Children and Families" -- 'Developmental Disabilities Publication Services' -- 'Personal Care Assistant' 

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