Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation and Advocacy

• Long Term Care Facility Enforcement Information
  This Web page provides information about the enforcement actions that the Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection is authorized to impose in the case of violations of Delaware laws or regulations pertaining to long term care services/facilities. The State laws include the Adult Abuse Registry Law, the Criminal Background Check Law, the Resident/Patient Abuse and Neglect Law, and the State law regarding nursing homes and other long term care facilities. This Web page also provides information about the enforcement actions that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can impose in the case of non-compliance with federal regulations pertaining to Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing homes. The page gives links to the relevant sections regarding enforcment actions in the Delaware Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.
  
  Enforcement information is provided by the Division of Long Term Residents Protection (DHCQ). For more information, please visit the DHCQ website. To make complaints about long term care facilities and resident abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or financial exploitation contact DHCQ via their Complaint and Incident Reporting information.
• Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
  The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates and resolves complaints made by (or on behalf of) residents of long term care facilities (for example, nursing homes). The program also provides volunteer opportunities for friendly visitors/advocates in nursing homes.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

Adult Day Services

• Adult Day Services
  Adult Day Services provides activities and assistance for people with physical and/or mental impairments. This service is for people who do not need 24-hour care in a nursing home, but who cannot be left alone for long periods of time. For example, a person may use adult day services while his or her primary caregiver (such as a family member) is at work. Adult day services centers are located in all three counties and are staffed by trained professionals.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

Assistive Devices, Specialized Equipment and Other Such Services

• Assistive Devices
  Assistive devices are pieces of equipment that allow people with disabilities to function more independently. They can be simple or complex. Some examples of assistive devices include kitchen utensils with large grips, seats for the shower or bath, wheelchairs, and specialized computers. The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities has funds available for persons with disabilities to buy or rent new or used assistive devices. A few restrictions: an assistive device must directly promote independent action or communication; also, money is provided only when no other funds are available to cover the cost of the device.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Emergency Response System
  An Emergency Response System is a device that allows a person at high risk (for example an older person who lives alone and has a health problem) to get immediate help in the event of an emergency. The person who is using the system wears a button that he or she can push if needed. The button connects electronically to the person's phone, which is programmed to send a signal to a response center or other contact persons who can then carry out a series of actions to help the person in need.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Home Modification
  The Home Modification Program pays for modifications (or changes) to be made to the home of a person with a physical disability. The changes are made to allow a person to move around more freely in the home. An example of a home modification is the installation of a wheelchair ramp. Modifications are made to permanent residences only. Also, funds are used only when no other funding source is available or when there is not enough money from another source to pay for the needed modifications.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

Caregiver Support

• Adult Day Services
  Adult Day Services provides activities and assistance for people with physical and/or mental impairments. This service is for people who do not need 24-hour care in a nursing home, but who cannot be left alone for long periods of time. For example, a person may use adult day services while his or her primary caregiver (such as a family member) is at work. Adult day service centers are located in all three counties and are staffed by trained professionals.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Respite Care
  Respite care is a program that provides relief to primary caregivers, such as family members, who give 24-hour-a-day care to someone in need. Respite care can be regularly scheduled (for example, once a week) or can be given from time-to-time, as needed by the family. Respite care is provided in various settings (such as in an individual's home or in a long-term care facility). The setting for a respite care program depends on the program's funding source.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Additional Caregiver Information and Support
  This information is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

Chronic Renal Disease

• Chronic Renal Disease
  The Chronic Renal Disease Program (CRDP) is administered to assist residents of Delaware, diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Social Services (DSS). For more information about DSS services, please visit the DSS website or contact DSS.

Health Services and Medical Assistance

• Children's Community Alternative Disability Program
  This program provides Medicaid coverage to severely disabled children who do not qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other Medicaid qualifying programs because of their parents' income and/or resources.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Social Services (DSS). For more information about DSS services, please visit the DSS website or contact DSS.
• Long Term Care
  The DSS Long Term Care program offers the following services:
  • Medicaid Nursing Facility Care
  • Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
  • Medicaid 30-Day Acute Care Hospital services
  • Medicaid Children's Community Alternative Disability Program program
  • Medicaid Out-of-state Rehabilitation Hospital Services
  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) programs
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) related programs
  
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Social Services (DSS). For more information about DSS services, please visit the DSS website or contact DSS.
• Medicaid
  Medicaid furnishes medical assistance to eligible low-income families and to eligible aged, blind and/or disabled people whose income is insufficient to meet the cost of necessary medical services.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Social Services (DSS). For more information about DSS services, please visit the DSS website or contact DSS.
• Prescription Assistance
  The Delaware Prescription Assistance Program (DPAP) covers medically necessary prescription drugs.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Social Services (DSS). For more information about DSS services, please visit the DSS website or contact DSS.
• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
  If an individual has a low income and few resources, DSS may pay his Medicare premiums and, in some cases, other "out-of-pocket" expenses such as deductibles and coinsurance.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Social Services (DSS). For more information about DSS services, please visit the DSS website or contact DSS.

Housing Options

• Adult Foster Care is a housing option for individuals who need some supervision and can no longer remain in their own homes. Foster Care takes place in supportive, family settings. Individuals who are enrolled in this program get help in finding placement in a foster care home.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

In-Home Services/Personal Care

• Attendant Services
  The goal of the Attendant Services program is to provide personal care and support services to adults with physical disabilities so that they will be able to live in their own homes and communities. People participating in the program (or people making decisions for them) choose the services they need within certain guidelines. They may get help with such tasks as dressing, bathing, and grooming; getting in and out of bed or a wheelchair; transportation; toileting (including bowel, bladder and catheter assistance), eating (including feeding), and health maintenance activities.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Emergency Response System
  An Emergency Response System is a device that allows a person at high risk (for example an older person who lives alone and has a health problem) to get immediate help in the event of an emergency. The person who is using the system wears a button that he or she can push if needed. The button connects electronically to the person's phone, which is programmed to send a signal to a response center or other contact persons who can then carry out a series of actions to help the person in need.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Home-Delivered Meals
  The Home-Delivered Meals Program delivers nutritionally balanced, hot meals during the day to homebound persons. Some people also receive cold, bagged meals so that they will have food available in the evening as well.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Personal Care
  Personal care services are provided for persons who need help at home or outside the home because of illness or disability. The services are designed to help a person maintain his or her household and continue living independently. Specific activities may include assistance with personal hygiene (for example, bathing or shaving), meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, and other services.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Respite Care
  Respite care is a program that provides relief to primary caregivers, such as family members, who give 24-hour-a-day care to someone in need. Respite care can be regularly scheduled (for example, once a week) or can be given from time to time, as needed by the family. Respite care is provided in various settings (such as in an individual's home or in a long-term care facility). The setting for a respite care program depends on the program's funding source.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

Independent Living Training and Education

• The Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a Department of Labor program whose mission is "to provide information, opportunities, and resources to individuals with disabilities, leading to success in employment and independent living." Through Vocational Rehabilitation Services, DVR, in partnership with employers and community resources will ensure that every individual with a disability who wants to work has a job that is commensurate with his/her interest, abilities, and capabilities. In addition, DVR's Independent Living Program provides services and resources to assists people with disabilities to maintain or increase independence in the home and community.
  
  For additional information regarding DVR's programs and services, visit the DVR Website or address additional DVR questions or comments to dlabor@state.de.us

Information and Assistance/Case Coordination

• Case Management
  Case management helps older persons, persons with disabilities, and caregivers get connected with the services that they need. Case managers help in three ways: 1) assessing (or evaluating) a person's situation and needs; 2) working with individuals and their families to develop "care plans" to map out what kind of services an individual needs, how often they are needed, etc.; and 3) providing ongoing coordination to see that an individual's care needs are being met.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program
  The Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program provides public information to encourage people who have Medicare to carefully read their Medicare summary notices and ask questions if they do not think the information is correct. This program also trains people who are retired to help other Medicare beneficiaries get the information they need when they suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of the Medicare program.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Nursing Home Transition Program
  The Nursing Home Transition Program is operated by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). The overall goal of the program is to identify, inform and assist nursing home residents, especially those who are Medicaid-eligible, who want to move to a community-based setting. The program offers individualized case management to accomplish this goal.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.
• Home & Community
  These services provide case management to individuals who are determined to be eligible for supportive home services as an alternative to institutionalization.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Social Services (DSS). For more information about DSS services, please visit the DSS website or contact DSS.
• Information and Assistance
  Information and Assistance is a service provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. Through this program, persons who contact the agency can get information and be directed to appropriate programs, services, activities, events, and other community resources related to aging and disabilities in Delaware. This service is available not only to older persons and adults with physical disabilities, but also to family members, caregivers, service professionals, students, and any other interested persons.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

Nutrition

• Home-Delivered Meals
  The Home-Delivered Meals Program delivers nutritionally balanced, hot meals during the day to homebound persons. Some people also receive cold, bagged meals so that they will have food available in the evening as well.
  
  This service is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.

Publications

• Publications for Delawareans with Disabilities
  The contents of this page feature information about services available and other pertinent information for Delawareans with disabilities.
  
  This information is provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). For a complete list of services provided by DSAAPD, please visit the DSAAPD services page, the DSAAPD website or contact DSAAPD.