Some agencies that provide services to the elderly and to people with disabilities will be receiving increased payments under a plan announced today by the Department of Health and Hospitals. These increased payments are intended to go toward higher wages for many direct care workers.

The daily rate increase, provided by the Childrens Choice waiver, took effect Feb. 9 in residential care facilities such as nursing homes as well as some community-based services.

This is another promising step toward securing and properly compensating the workforce which cares for our states disabled and elderly, said DHH Secretary Fred Cerise. By working to counteract a worker crisis shortage in this area, we have secured a rate increase which will find its way directly into the pockets of direct support workers.

The increased payments are mandated for use in raising worker wages and benefits. There is some flexibility involved in the distribution by service providers, so it is possible not every direct support professional will receive an increase in salary. Amounts in wage increases will also depend on provider distribution.

All direct support workers, however, will receive a minimum of $6.65 per hour working in the following services:

• Individual and Family Support Services (day and night) in the New Opportunities Waiver
• Family Support Services in the Childrens Choice Waiver
• Facility Specific Daily Rate in private Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
• Personal Care Services in EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) Services
• Facility Specific Daily Rate in Adult Day Health Care
• Facility Specific Daily Rate in private Nursing Homes
• Companion services in the Elderly and Disabled Adult waiver
• Long Term Personal Care Services

Service providers seeking more information on the payment increase can contact Charles Ayles with the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities at (225) 342-1384.

Submitted by Rob Anderson. Filed under General Topics

Comments

I am trying to find any and all help possible for a friend who was injured in a motorcycle accident who has been confined to a nursing home and would like to return home with the aid of help any way possible. He has some income, and he did file with the medicaid office under LT-PCS...but was told if he left the nursing home he would loose his medicaid benefits. I wonder how that is possible...he does not have that much money now and what he does have the nursing home takes it all leaving him with only a small amount of income...of course i understand that this is what medicaid is for, but if someone would like their independence back however limited that may be, how come the "great" state of louisiana refuses to help? or refuses to continue with the help they now provide in the nursing home?....please help if possible...i am trying to help my friend be able to return home with the help of CNA's around the clock and home health nurses to help. I know there are programs out there, i'm just not sure where to look...Thank you, and awaiting your reply...Virginia
Virginia on August 28th, 2007

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