Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
May 1, 2008 issue
Story by Garrett Simmons
The Watauga County Department of Social Services is giving elderly adults and adults with disabilities the chance to continue living in their own homes rather than entering adult care housing. Through the Special Assistance In-Home Program, qualifying adults receive cash supplements to help offset the costs and services needed to manage their daily lives.
The program uses a portion of funds that would otherwise be used to support individuals in adult care housing. The result is that adults can stay in their own homes at less cost than it would take to provide special assistance housing.
Special assistance home case manager Rick Lee said the program is an intelligent use of resources that benefits all parties involved. “It’s a way for individuals to maintain their quality of life,” he said. “And instead of borrowing new money, it uses funds already in place.”
To qualify, individuals must be 65 or older or be determined disabled according to Social Security disability standards. Applicants must be residents of Watauga County, have Medicaid eligibility established, have a maximum monthly income of $867 per month and have savings and assets worth less than $2,000.
Application for Medicaid eligibility can be completed at the DSS office on the same day of application for the In-Home program. Physically disabled individuals can send someone in their place to apply.
Once these requirements are met, Lee conducts a series of in-home interviews to determine whether the program can cover the needs of the client. Then it is up to the client to use his/her cash supplements in whatever way he/she sees fit. “I make an outline of a client’s daily, weekly, and monthly costs to assess their overall qualification,” he said, “then return periodically to ensure they’re using their money wisely and to see if their methods can be improved.”
Lee said this system will eliminate many of the tough decisions that older adults are often forced to make. “Many of our clients had to choose between heating their homes or buying medication because they couldn’t afford to do both,” he said. “This program eliminates that type of decision.”
Jennifer Livingstone, a graduate student at Appalachian, has been working with Lee to implement the program. “Program availability in Watauga County is based on North Carolina totals,” she explained. “There are currently 6 available spots out of a total 15 in Watauga County. If those fill up, DSS will make an appeal to the state for more.”
Together, Lee and Livingstone have given presentations to adult care service professionals such as in-home aids, social workers and medical personnel to encourage the program. “We’re trying to make this program known and available. It is a very important resource for a large portion of county residents,” said Livingstone. “It allows clients to maintain a sense of independence.”
For more info, contact the Department of Social Services at 828-265-8100 and ask for Rick Lee or Jennifer Livingstone. The DSS office is located at 132 Poplar Grove Connector.