Disabled and Elderly Have Options for Care in the Comforts of Home

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell 

	On a daily basis here in Missouri, seniors and those with
disabilities must make the choice to move into a residential facility in
order to receive the type of care that they can no longer receive at home.
For some of these citizens, this is the best solution for quality care. But
for many others, there are options that they and their families are not
aware of. As elderly advocate for the State of Missouri, I serve as
co-chairperson of the Personal Independence Commission (PIC), which helps
citizens find the services that provide the care they need, without having
to leave the comforts of home. Now, after much research, the commission is
ready to spread the good news of available in-home services to all the
citizens of Missouri.

PIC was created in 2001 to help disabled and elderly Missourians receive
necessary support services in the least-restrictive environment. For over
two years we have been working to put together a master list of services
that explain home and community-based services that exist in Missouri, and
how to obtain these services. These services are designed for elderly
citizens and those with disabilities that are in need of services obtained
through state or federal revenues or Medicaid. The culmination of this
research has produced Missouri's Guide to Home and Community-Based Services,
which is available online at my Web site www.ltgov.state.mo.us or on the
state Web site at www.state.mo.us.

Missouri has several options available for home and community-based
services. The guide offers information on "waivered" services that allow the
federal government to waive rules for the state to provide services outside
of a facility. Among the services that may be available are assistance with
daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal
preparation, housekeeping, counseling, help with arranging medical or other
support services, therapy and relief for caregivers. The brochure describes
programs for persons who are physically or mentally disabled and the
elderly.

Finding the services that are right for you or those you know is the key to
maintaining the most productive and healthy lifestyle in the
least-restrictive setting. The program that is right for you will depend
upon your needs and resources. Various programs offer services designed to
help a person live as independently as possible in his or her home or
community. Some programs are available in certain areas, but many are
available statewide.

The Personal Independence Commission believes it is extremely important that
our seniors and disabled have choices when it comes to long-term care. This
brochure was produced in the hopes that Missouri citizens will be able to
utilize this valuable tool to find the services that are right for them. If
you or someone you know might benefit from these services please check the
Web sites, or you may pick up the guide at local Area Agencies on Aging
offices, Regional Advisory Council offices and other senior or disabled
organizations within the community. Our seniors and disabled deserve the
best care available, in the best setting available. Together, we're working
to make sure that becomes a reality for all Missouri citizens.