Consumer DirectionImplications for Aging and Disability Programs

1
Consumer Direction-Implications for Aging and
Disability Programs

• Arizona Department of Economic Security
• Aging and Adult Administration
• Lynn Larson
• National Aging and Disability IR/A Symposium
• June 8, 2005

2
Consumer Direction is not new to Arizona

• Arizona Long Term Care System
• ADES, Division of Developmental Disabilities
• ADES, Aging and Adult Administration

3
Promoting Consumer Direction in Aging Services
Grant

• NASUA/NCOA Grant to assess Arizonas position in
  providing consumer-directed options

4
Grant Activities

• Formed Partnership of Stakeholders Held Three
  Meetings
• Held Three Consumer Public Input Sessions
• Held Public Forum
• Prepared Consumer Direction Reform Agenda
• Implement Reform Agenda

5
Partnership of Stakeholders

• State Agencies
• Local Agencies
• Advocacy Groups
• Service Providers
• Consumers
• Caregivers

6
Challenges and Barriers

• Coordination/Communication
• Access to information/education
• Limited providers in rural areas
• Standards/Training
• Cost effectiveness
• Navigating systems

7
Potential Successes

• Preserve consumer independence and
  self-sufficiency.
• Provide relevant and appropriate programs that
  accommodate consumer preferences and needs.
• Encourage and maintain working partnerships with
  other agencies to promote and support consumer
  direction.
• Expand the capacity to administer consumer
  directed programs.

8
Whats Ahead?

• Continue meetings with Partnership of
  Stakeholders to maintain on-going dialogue to
  plan for the implementation of consumer direction
  in aging services.
• Build upon the information collected from
  DDD/ALTCS and the Alzheimers Walk of Friendship
  grants that support the implementation of
  consumer direction.
• Collaborate with the Long-Term Care Workforce
  Committee to expand the workforce pool.
• Establish an objective that supports consumer
  direction as part of the Aging 2020 Plan.

9
Contact Information

• Lynn Larson
• Policy, Planning, and Program Development Unit
  Manager
• 602-542-6461
• Llarson_at_azdes.gov