Ability Montana's Self-Direct Care Program
Posted on: May 30, 2024
When you’re living with a disability or offering support for someone in your life who’s in that situation, it can be difficult to find and access the services to help.
What is self-directed care?
With self-directed care, you are the employer who hires your care team. Hiring, setting expectations, and supervising your personal care attendant offers a high level of control and independence. The Self-Direct Program is made available through the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.
When you participate in the Self-Direct Program, you control the who, what, when, and how of your care. You choose the person who provides services to you in your home, what services you receive based on your assessed needs, when services are provided to you, and how you receive those services.
The services a care attendant might provide include bathing, grooming, bathroom assistance, medication reminders, meal preparation, eating, prescription pickup, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and community integration. It’s up to you to decide how they can help you best.
Who self-directed care is right for
If you’re a person living with a disability or a family member of an individual with a disability, you might be able to pursue a self-directed care program.
To qualify for the Self-Directed Program, you must be willing to hire a personal care attendant and direct your own care, need assistance with daily living tasks, and have standard Medicaid insurance. If you’re not sure about your eligibility, or you have any questions about the process, reach out to Ability Montana. We can help you figure out whether this option will work for you and your situation.
Hiring a care attendant
When it’s time to hire your care attendant, the choice is yours. You can screen applicants for the qualities that are most important to you and your life. And you can find and hire the person who will meet your needs best.
At Ability Montana, we can offer guidance to help you through the hiring process for your care attendant. But when it comes to filling the position, you’re the one running the show. You can ask the interview questions you need to make sure your attendant is the right fit, and you set the hours and expectations for their work in your home.
Paying for self-directed care
This program is covered by Medicaid. So you don’t have to worry about covering costs on your own. Ability Montana can help you navigate the process of applying for self-directed care and checking your Medicaid status.
How to access self-directed care
You don’t need to unravel the process on your own. If you think that self-directed care might be a good option for you, contact Ability Montana. We can check your Medicaid status, help you through the application process, and offer guidance about how to hire a personal care attendant. Reach out to get started, and take charge of your in-home care.