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DE Attendant Services Waiver

Published on
July 25, 2023
Last updated
February 29, 2024
Written by
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Katie Wilkinson
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The Delaware Attendant Services waiver is a self-directed Medicaid program providing crucial support and compensation to eligible individuals with disabilities and their family caregivers, enabling personalized care and independent living.
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The Delaware Attendant Services waiver is a pivotal program in the healthcare landscape, offering vital support to individuals with disabilities who require assistance with essential daily tasks. Under this self-directed initiative, participants serve as employers of their attendants, granting them the autonomy to select caregivers who understand their unique needs.

Overview of Delaware Attendant Services Waiver

The Delaware Attendant Services waiver is a vital and self-directed program designed to provide essential support to individuals with disabilities who require assistance with activities of daily living, self-care, and mobility. The primary purpose of this program is to empower participants by allowing them to act as employers of their attendants. This unique feature will enable them to choose caregivers who best understand and cater to their specific needs, promoting personalized and compassionate care.

The waiver aims to enhance the quality of life for eligible individuals by enabling them to live independently in their homes and communities rather than in institutional settings. By focusing on individualized care, the program fosters dignity, autonomy, and a sense of empowerment for its participants.

Targeting Delaware residents aged 18 and older with disabilities, the Attendant Services waiver seeks to address the unmet needs of this vulnerable population, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and more. Additionally, the program recognizes the essential contributions of family caregivers, acknowledging them as crucial components of the healthcare system who deserve fair compensation for their dedicated efforts.

The overarching goals of the Delaware Attendant Services waiver include:

  1. Independence and Community Integration: The program aims to support individuals with disabilities living independently within their communities, promoting their inclusion and integration.
  2. Person-Centered Care: By allowing participants to hire their attendants, the waiver emphasizes person-centered care, tailoring assistance to each individual's unique requirements and preferences.
  3. Family Caregiver Recognition: The program advocates for fair compensation to recognize and support family caregivers who often undertake substantial responsibilities with compassion and dedication.
  4. Cost-Effective Care: By enabling participants to remain in their homes, the program strives to provide cost-effective care options, reducing the reliance on more expensive institutional care settings.
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Eligibility Requirements

The Delaware Attendant Services waiver supports residents aged 18 and above with disabilities. Individuals must meet financial and functional criteria to qualify for this program.

  1. Age and Residency: Participants must be legal residents of Delaware at least 18 years old.
  2. Disability: Eligibility is limited to individuals diagnosed with a disability that significantly impairs their ability to perform activities of daily living, self-care, or mobility.
  3. Functional Assessment: Applicants are required to undergo a functional assessment to determine their level of need for attendant services. This assessment helps establish the extent of assistance necessary to support their daily living activities.
  4. Financial Eligibility: Financial criteria are also considered, including income and assets. To qualify for the Attendant Services waiver, applicants must meet the specified income and asset limits set by the program. These limits are subject to change and are designed to ensure the program reaches those with the most significant financial need.

By adhering to these eligibility requirements, individuals with disabilities can access a program that empowers them to hire their attendants, fostering independence and personalized care while providing much-needed support to their dedicated family caregivers.

Services and Supports

The Delaware Attendant Services waiver offers comprehensive services and supports to individuals with disabilities, catering to their specific needs and promoting independent living. Participants in the program have the flexibility to tailor their care plans, ensuring that the assistance they receive aligns with their unique requirements. Some of the services and supports available under the waiver include:

  1. Personal Care Assistance: Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene.
  2. Meal Preparation: Assistance with meal planning and preparation to ensure proper nutrition.
  3. Housekeeping and Home Management: Support with light housekeeping and maintaining a clean living environment.
  4. Transportation: Assistance with getting to medical appointments, social activities, or other essential errands.
  5. Mobility Assistance: Aid with mobility and transfers to ensure safety and independence.
  6. Communication Assistance: Support individuals with communication challenges, including assistive technologies or devices.
  7. Medication Management: Guidance and reminders for adhering to medication schedules.
  8. Respite Care: Temporary relief for family caregivers to prevent burnout and allow for much-needed breaks.
  9. Community Integration Services: Activities and programs to foster social engagement and community participation.
  10. Assistive Technologies: Access to devices or equipment that promote greater independence and safety.
  11. Nursing Services: Skilled nursing care for participants with complex medical needs.
  12. Behavioral Support: Specialized services to address behavioral challenges and promote emotional well-being.

The waiver prioritizes home and community-based services (HCBS) over institutional care, enabling participants to remain in their homes and communities while receiving necessary support. This focus fosters a sense of belonging and independence and contributes to cost-effective care delivery. Moreover, by offering assistive technologies and specialized healthcare services, the program ensures that individuals with disabilities receive comprehensive, holistic care tailored to their specific health conditions.

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Compensation for Caregivers

The Delaware Attendant Services waiver offers compensation for unpaid family caregivers, making it one of the significant advantages of the program. Through its self-directed option, eligible participants have the unique opportunity to hire their family members as caregivers. This means that individuals with disabilities can choose their trusted family members, such as parents or adult children, to provide them with the necessary assistance and support.

By compensating family caregivers, the waiver recognizes their invaluable role in the lives of individuals with disabilities. It acknowledges their dedication, compassion, and the significant responsibilities they undertake. This compensation helps alleviate financial burdens for caregivers and fosters a stronger bond between the participant and their family caregiver, promoting a more personalized and compassionate approach to care. The self-directed option empowers participants with greater autonomy in selecting their caregivers, improving overall well-being and quality of life.

Learn more about Medicaid self-directed care >>

A Note from Givers

If you or a loved one in Delaware is providing care to a family member with a disability, take the next step to explore eligibility for compensation under the Delaware Attendant Services waiver. Fill out this form to determine if you qualify for caregiver compensation.

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