August 2023 Newsletter

Your monthly dose of "Answers, Help, & Hope"!

In The Spotlight:

Consumer-Directed vs. Agency-Directed

It is critical that clients feel empowered and clearly understand the roles associated with the Consumer Directed model. Below are the differences between the Consumer-Directed and Agency-Directed models.

Consumer-Directed	Agency-Directed
Individual or designated Primary Caregiver chooses who directs their care (Employer of Record).	Individual or designated Primary Caregiver chooses an organization that employs Personal Care Attendants.
Individual or designated Primary Caregiver chooses who helps them with Personal Care Needs (The attendant can be any family member, neighbor, friend, or acquaintance over 18).	The agency will provide a Personal Care Attendant to the individual. Individual and/or designated primary caregiver have very little say in who the agency chooses to send to their home. A good agency will work with the family on this.
Employer of Record finds, hires, schedules, trains, and supervises Personal Care Attendants, and approves time sheets. Individual and/or designated Primary Caregiver have full control over the employment of their Personal Care Attendants.	The agency employs the Personal Care Attendant and handles all hiring, training, supervision, and time approval. Individual and/or designated Primary Caregiver do not have to deal with employer duties but also have very little say in who the agency hires. A good agency will work with the family on this.
Individual works with a Service Facilitator to maintain services.	Individual or designated Primary Caregiver will work with an RN employed with the agency to maintain services.
The attendant gets paid through a fiscal agent payroll organization.	The attendant gets paid by the Agency.

Need more information? Visit our website!

MCO Updates

Molina Healthcare

Molina now offers "Doula Benefits" for its clients. The doula must hold a state certification!

For more maternity assistance visit Molina's provider resources here!

Visit their Website

MCO Updates

Virginia Premier

Have you recently switched from VA Premier to Optima?

If so, from now until September 15th, VA Premier members have the option to switch to a new health plan.

Learn More

Training Materials

Fiscal Agent Updates

Consumer Direct Care

Network Virginia

As you know, CDVA and Optima Health partnered to provide FEA services.

For assistance with your enrollment and transition packets click the link below!

Arlington Aging and Disability Resource Center

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps low-income families meet their immediate home energy needs. Fuel, Crisis, and Cooling assistance applications are accepted at local social services departments.

Click here to see their services!

Visit their website!

Resource Spotlight

Sandra L. Thompson & Associates offers services that address life skills, academics, and parental support.

Their services are uniquely individualized and designed to bring forth a transformational experience.

To learn more about the services that Sandra L. Thompson & Associates provide watch our Voices In Motion: Community Resource Series W/ Sandra L. Thompson & Associates!

Find more resources by using our "Resource List" found on our website!

What's Happening?

August 10th: Voices In Motion Community Resource Series w/ Dynamic Transition. They aim to provide In-Home functional mobility and corrective exercise programs for individuals of any age with a chronic condition or a disability. Through their work, they help clients regain and maintain their independence.

August 17: Voices In Motion Community Resource Series w/ Nicholas Thompson. Join us as we talk with Nicholas Thompson, Adjunct Professor of Law and Co-Managing attorney of the Elder & Disability Law Clinic at William & Mary Law School! Nicholas handles matters related to family and elder and disability law and represents clients before circuit courts in guardianship and conservatorship matters and advises clients on wills issues.

Have You Registered?

Join our team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s!

Did you miss a FB Live of the Voices In Motion: Community Resource Series?

Click here to catch up on July's community resources !

Click the calendar to head to our website and learn about events near you!

Awareness Month

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month

SMA Awareness Month takes place in August! SMA Awareness Month aims to increase awareness of the disorder caused by a lack of a motor neuron protein known as SMN, as well as other rare forms of SMA caused by chromosomal abnormalities.

Video: What is SMA?

App of The Month: Life Skills and Learning App

Offers 3 learning paths. Each is tailored to a specific age group, working to build one's communication, life, interpersonal, and transitional skills.