Remote Support allows an off-site direct service provider to monitor and respond to a person’s health, safety, and other needs using live communication while offering the person more independence in their home.
Remote Support uses two-way communication in real-time, just like Skype or FaceTime, so a person can communicate their needs easily. A person can choose supports like sensors that call for help if someone has fallen or cameras that help monitor who is visiting a person’s home.
This service is always combined with Assistive Technology.
When to Apply this Service
Ohio is a Technology first state, which means Remote Support must be considered as the first option when authorizing services for a person with disabilities before authorizing on-site Homemaker/Personal Care staff.
The person’s service and support administrator, or SSA, will assess them for a need for Remote Support. If there is a need, the SSA will include it in the person’s individual service plan. When discussing if Remote Support is right for someone, the person and their team should follow these steps:
- Have a conversation to identify why a person uses direct care staff and if their health and safety needs can be met remotely.
- Hold a team meeting to talk about which needs might be met remotely, for what hours, and how backup support will be provided.
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If the person chooses Remote Support, he or she will use the free choice of provider process to select an agency provider. That provider will act as backup support to the person. The provider will subcontract with the Remote Support vendor to offer equipment and monitoring staff.
- If the backup support is unpaid, natural support like family or neighbors, the person, or their guardian will Choose the vendor.
- The service and support administrator will then work with the team to amend the individual service plan to include detailed procedures about the new Remote Support.
(Source: https://dodd.ohio.gov/waivers-and-services/services/Remote-Support)
You may request more information here or set an appointment with one of our representatives to discuss your needs in detail.