LEWISTON — SeniorsPlus, the designated Area Agency on Aging serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties, was awarded a $500,000 grant through the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS), which has partnered with the National Disability Institute (NDI) for the project. The project is designed to enhance care coordination services to Section 19 waiver members with assistive technology needs. Services include a comprehensive assistive technology assessment, and—as needed—device selection, installation, training, and tech support.
The goal of the project is to improve Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through innovation that will be scalable and lead to improved quality of life, independence, and housing stability. The program also aims to reduce hospital readmissions and reliance on hands-on personal care services.
‘The expectation is that the project will increase client independence and reduce hours of personal care, potentially reducing client and taxpayer dollars,’ said Betsy Sawyer-Manter, President and CEO.
As per the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (HCBS), ‘Home and community-based services provide opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own home or community rather than institutions or other isolated settings. These programs serve a variety of targeted population groups, such as people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.’
Partners on the project include Brandeis University for data analytics and benchmarking, the University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, and 3i Housing of Maine (3iHoME).
At SeniorsPlus, the project is led by Long Term Services and Supports Director Tracy Smith. A licensed occupational therapist with assistive technology expertise has been hired as the care coordinator for the project. The project goal for SeniorsPlus is to enroll up to 30 participants by the end of 2024. Potential candidates for the program must be enrolled in SeniorsPlus Care Coordination services and should contact their assigned Care Coordinator by email or phone.
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