Self-Directed Supports- free toolkit

In July 2009, the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities awarded three-year funding to Connecticut Community Care, Inc. (CCCI) to develop the Self-Directed Support Services Program. The goal of the Self-Directed Support Services Program is to provide consumers who hire personal care assistants (PCAs) with one-on-one training by a Community Living Consultant. Coaching and tools are designed to assist consumers to live the lives they choose in the communities they desire. Along the way, CCCI documents strengths and gaps in Connecticut’s service delivery. Through an external research evaluator, our experience and data will inform the Department of Social Services (DSS) for future service delivery planning.

Community Living Consultants Work with Consumers  

•  providing support in determining a person’s wishes, goals and dreams
•  outlining pros and cons, opportunities and risks of those wishes, goals and dreams
•  providing support and training in hiring and managing personal care assistants (PCAs), developing community supports, and strengthening back-up plans
• connecting them with resources

The Self-Directed Support Services Program began as a pilot service offered to consumers of Connecticut’s Money Follows the Person to further support those transitioning from a skilled nursing facility back to the community. The pilot has expanded eligibility to include the Department of Social Services, Personal Care Assistance Medicaid Waiver program.  Click here for more information on the Community Living Consultant Services

CCCI is also a State of Connecticut, Money Follows the Person contractor to establish and maintain a 24/7 Emergency Triage Service.  CCCI staff is on call 24/7 to coach and counsel consumers of Money Follows the Person who experience breakdowns in their care plans and need assistance to troubleshoot or intervene when care plans breakdown or service gaps occur. Specifically, the Triage Service assists consumers to find a resolution to workforce gaps, personal care, transportation and durable medical equipment.  This service is available to consumer of the Money Follows the Person program.  Click here for more information on the 24/7 Emergency Triage Service