Legislature funds programs to support seniors and Nevadans with disabilities

Initiatives will improve home and community-based care

Carson City October 24, 2022

The ability to support Nevada’s seniors, people with disabilities and vulnerable populations will be improved with funds allocated during the Oct. 20 Legislative Interim Finance Committee (IFC) meeting.

Last week, more than $48 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was approved for initiatives aimed to increase access to services and resources, and provide support for caregivers to help keep individuals in their homes and communities.
“This investment in support networks and opportunity to improve access to critical community-based services will keep individuals living in their homes and communities,” said Dena Schmidt, Administrator of the Aging and Disability Services Division. “This funding will help us build a system to better, more easily, connect with those we serve.”

Funding was approved by the Nevada Legislature to develop and implement a “no wrong door” system to reduce barriers for constituents seeking services or information from the Department of Health and Human Services. The $12.5 million initiative will remove duplication in eligibility documents, increase efficiencies in workflow and help individuals to ensure they are enrolled in all eligible programs to provide support and improve health outcomes.

Several work programs, totaling more than $8.4 million, were approved to help Nevadans maintain their independence and ability to live in the community of their choice. Funding was allocated to reduce the waitlist for homemaker and chore assistance services, increase the number of people served by home-delivered meal programs and develop an incubator program to build capacity for residential care in Nevada communities.

“Many Nevadans just need a little help to stay in their home and out of a care facility, and the support for these programs will allow us to increase the number of people served in their homes,” said Administrator Schmidt. “Through the homemaker program and meal delivery for older adults, families can have the peace of mind that their loved one has someone checking in regularly, bringing nutritious meals, helping with laundry or other tasks.”

Additionally, $14.5 million was approved for intensive behavioral support homes and related intensive services to allow some of the most vulnerable people with dual diagnoses to remain in community-based service settings in Nevada. This funding will allow the State to better meet the treatment needs of individuals in a community-based setting.

Other work programs approved at IFC include:
• $5 million to increase the workforce pipeline to support older adults and individuals with disabilities through workforce training and incentives.
• $2,090,000 to eliminate the waitlist for home modifications and improvements that will allow individuals to stay in their homes. This may include the addition of ramps, grab bars, communication devices or other supports.
• More than $1.7 million to fund respite services and caregiver supports. The program will provide opportunities to engage in social and recreational activities with trained program staff.

Contact

Shannon Litz
Public Information Officer, Department of Health and Human Services