With Georgia s low unemployment rate, inadequate wages for direct service staff create a crisis in quality services and safety of people in service. Consider re-directing one half percent of all services funding to staff and provider development. Increase Waiver rates annually by no less than the inflation rate. Rate increases are recommended for the purpose of providing pay increases for direct care staff, and enabling providers to build in infra-structure, such as clinical and behavioral expertise. Given that use restrictions also apply to Medicaid dollars, the community services system simply cannot operate without an adequate level of state dollar funding.
Family support means different things to different families.
Family support programs make use of structured services, as well as informal or natural supports. The supports need to be determined by the individual family based on their culture, values, preferences, and specific needs. Family Support can consist of services such as respite care, family counseling, cash subsidy payments, architectural adaptation of the home, in-home supports and training, sibling support programs, education and behavior management, and the purchase of specialized equipment. Family Support is based on a set of principles and practices that shifts decision-making power to individuals with disabilities and the family. The aging of our society and the increased longevity of persons with disabilities require more focus on family supports.