Home & Community Services
For adults with disabilities that live with their families at home or on their own in the community, we bring services to the home and the community. These services are delivered by trained Abilities First staff members, typically in a one-to-one ratio. The selected staff member comes to the home to provide support and care in the home (RespiteA break from caregiving.) or provide skill building activities in the home or out in the community (Community HabilitationThe acquisition of certain skills required for a self-sufficient life.). People receiving services and their family members are encouraged to take part in selecting staff members and scheduling activities.
Respite
Caring for a loved one with a disabilityA traditional term that generally means a person has a condition that makes it difficult for them to do things that those without disabilities can do. While we try to minimize use of this term because it emphasizes people’s limitations rather than strengths, it is sometimes necessary for diagnostic and funding purposes. can take a great deal of time and energy. It can make it difficult to complete some of the basic tasks in life like shopping, banking and other obligations. Without breaks from this responsibility, caretakers can also experience fatigue and burnout. The main purpose of RespiteA break from caregiving. services is to temporarily relieve caretakers so they can address the duties of life and perhaps relieve stress.
RespiteA break from caregiving. is provided in the home on a one-to-one basis. In order to qualify for this service, the person must be deemed eligible through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)The state office that administers programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including but not limited to Service Coordination/Care Coordination, Community Habilitation, Respite, Employment Services, Adult Day Services and Residential Services. and become authorized for the MedicaidThe health insurance program that funds many services for people with IDD. Home & Community Based Services Waiver.
Community Habilitation
HabilitationThe acquisition of certain skills required for a self-sufficient life. means assisting with the achievement of developmental skills. Adults with disabilities who live with their families or on their own may benefit from this service which is meant to help people learn new skills and maintain current skill set. Community HabilitationThe acquisition of certain skills required for a self-sufficient life. is provided to an individual or group either in the home or out in the community on a one-to-one basis with a trained Abilities First staff member.
With the Abilities First Community Connections program, each person works toward individualized goals that target personal challenges and needs such as Daily Living Skill Development and Personal Safety Skills. In order to qualify for this service, the person must be deemed eligible through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)The state office that administers programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including but not limited to Service Coordination/Care Coordination, Community Habilitation, Respite, Employment Services, Adult Day Services and Residential Services. and become authorized for the MedicaidThe health insurance program that funds many services for people with IDD. Home & Community Based Services Waiver.
For additional information about Abilities First Home & Community Services see our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Gina Carminucci, Director of Community Services at 845-475-3217 ext. 1197.