ICFs and Waiver Services – Which Is The Better Option?
When someone has an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability there can be questions about the best place to live as they get older. Will they live with family or a friend, on their own, or in a group setting? Waiver Services and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) are options for several individuals. Both are available to provide services to individuals with disabilities, but which option is best?
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities provides a great comparison to discern the two.
As a general overview, an ICF provides the opportunity for multiple individuals to live together with staff members being available 24 hours a day. There are many services provided and include things such as assistance with showering and hygiene needs, helping with chores like laundry and cleaning, and providing transportation to the greater community. Your meals and utilities are included when living in an ICF; therefore, you do not pay extra for these items.
Waivers provide money for services that the individual can receive while living independently, with family or friends, or within a group setting. The services received are similar to those provided by an ICF with the individual choosing and arranging their service provider(s). Individuals with Waivers are responsible for paying for the place they live, including utilities, and for food.
One needs to ask questions to determine which choice is best. Questions such as, what services do I need assistance with? Do I want to find my own provider(s)? Do I want to live with other individuals? Do I prefer to live alone? Do I want or need to have staff available 24 hours a day?
So, what is the best option? It truly depends on the individual and their preferences. You can find resources to help with decision-making by visiting the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities website or through your local county board, which you can locate by clicking here.
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Echoing Hills is a 501c (3) non-profit organization based out of Warsaw, Ohio. Echoing Hills provides services throughout the state of Ohio for individuals with disabilities, including Intermediate Care Facilities and Waiver homes. For information on ICFs and Waiver homes through Echoing Hills, please contact Dea at 740.594.3541.
