A service coordinator is someone who helps individuals in need of specific medical waiver programs find and access the services they need to thrive while continuing to live in their home or community. These programs include the Attendant Care Waiver/ACT 150, the OBRA Waiver, and Community Health Choices (CHC) long-term services and supports. In the industry, the word supports is plural because it can mean any number of aides that can assist with lifestyle — from assistive technology to counseling to a home health aide and much more.
The goal of a service coordinator is to understand an individual’s unique needs and then locate the various services available to help them choose the best options; and ultimately, empower them to live as independently as possible.
How Service Coordinators Provide a Personalized Experience
At A Bridge to Independence, we promote independent living by connecting individuals with disabilities to personalized home- and community-based services. Our service coordinators are experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge and strong connections with all available service providers. This means they are well-equipped to help individuals set personalized goals and move beyond any limitations they may face.
So, what exactly does a service coordinator do? It’s one of the most common questions about waiver programs. Here are some key aspects of a service coordinator’s role:
- Understand individual needs: A service coordinator starts by getting to know each individual’s home-health and community-based needs. This could include personal care, transportation, health care, or any other necessary services for them to live independently.
- Locate available services: Once a service coordinator understands the needs of the individual, the next step is to help locate and obtain customized services from all that is available. This could include personal care assistance, medical equipment, home modifications, etc.
- Choose the best options: With so many options available, knowing which ones are the best fit can be overwhelming. That’s where service coordinators make a world of difference. They help the individual evaluate the available services, choose the ones that will best meet their needs to help them live the life they want.
- Empower individuals: Throughout the process, the service coordinator works to empower the individual. This means helping the individual become more independent and giving them the tools and resources to live an active and fulfilling life in their community.
Overall, a service coordinator offers support, guidance, and advocacy to individuals navigating the complex world of home- and community-based services. They are a valuable resource for anyone who wants to live independently and needs help finding the right services to make that possible.
If you or someone you know is in a waiver program like Attendant Care Waiver/ACT 150, the OBRA Waiver, or Community Health Choices (CHC), consider contacting A Bridge to Independence service coordinators. They can help make finding and accessing services as smooth and empowering as possible.
