What is CDPAP Home Care? CDPAP Guide

CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) is a New York State Medicaid program that provides home care to individuals who require assistance.

Published On:
April 18, 2024

What Is CDPAP?

CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) is a New York State Medicaid program that provides home care services to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities due to their medical conditions.

The program is unique in that it allows consumers to choose their own personal assistants, including family members or friends, who are then paid to provide the necessary care.

CDPAP is a welcome alternative to traditional home care programs, which assign caregivers to consumers based on availability and skill set. With CDPAP, consumers have the freedom to select personal assistants who they trust and feel comfortable with.

This makes the program particularly appealing to elderly consumers and those with disabilities who need help with daily living activities.

The program is available to all New York State Medicaid beneficiaries, regardless of age, who need assistance with daily living activities.

These activities include grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, medication management, and other activities of daily living. Consumers must have a medical condition that requires them to receive home care services.

How Does the CDPAP Work?

The CDPAP program works by allowing consumers to choose their own personal assistants who are then paid to provide the necessary care. Consumers can select a family member, friend, or even a neighbor as their personal assistant. Once the consumer has chosen their personal assistant, they will need to enroll in the program and complete all necessary paperwork.

Once enrolled, consumers can create a care plan with their personal assistant that outlines the specific tasks that need to be done each day. The care plan can be adjusted as needed based on changes in the consumer's condition or needs.

The personal assistant is paid by Medicaid for the services they provide, but it is important to note that they are not considered employees of Medicaid or the CDPAP Agency. Instead, they are considered employees of the consumer or designated rep. while the CDPAP Agency acts as the Fiscal Intermediary to process claims, pay the PAs and ensure compliance of the program.

Consumers have control over their care and can make decisions about when and how often services are provided. They also have the ability to change personal assistants if needed.

Overall, the CDPAP program offers consumers greater flexibility and control over their home care services while still providing them with access to quality care from trusted individuals.

How to Apply for a CDPAP Program

To apply for the CDPAP program, consumers must first be enrolled in New York State Medicaid. If you need help enrolling in the NYS Medicaid program you may reach out to Empire Senior Advisors at 716-936-7473 Once enrolled, they can contact a CDPAP agency to begin the application process. The agency will provide consumers with an application form and help them fill it out.

The application form requires consumers to provide information about their medical condition and the type of care they require. Consumers will also need to identify their personal assistant(s) and provide their contact information.

Once the application is completed, it will be reviewed by the CDPAP agency.

It is important to note that while consumers have the freedom to choose their own personal assistants, those assistants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Personal assistants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and cannot be spouses or designated representatives of the consumer.

Eligibility To Enroll in CDPAP Program

There are three important criteria that must be met to be eligible:

1. You must have Medicaid.

2. You must require home care.

3. You must be self-directing, or you must have a representative that can direct your care.

There are other factors that can potentially affect your eligibility, but if you meet the above criteria, we recommend you give us a call to see if you can enroll.

Benefits of Enrolling in CDPAP Program

There are several benefits to enrolling in the CDPAP program over traditional home care programs. Here are a few:

Freedom to choose your own personal assistant(s)

Unlike traditional home care programs, which assign caregivers to consumers based on availability and skill set, CDPAP allows consumers to select their own personal assistants. This gives consumers the freedom to choose someone they trust and feel comfortable with.

Personalized care

Since consumers can select their own personal assistants, they can receive more personalized care. Personal assistants can work with consumers to develop a care plan that meets their specific needs and preferences.

Family involvement

With CDPAP, family members or friends can be hired as personal assistants. This allows for greater family involvement in the consumer's care, which can be particularly important for elderly consumers or those with disabilities.

Greater control over care

Since consumers or their representatives have control over who provides care, they also have greater control over the type of care they receive. Consumers can work with their personal assistants to ensure that their needs are being met and that they are receiving high-quality care.

Flexibility

CDPAP offers more flexibility than traditional home care programs. Personal assistants can provide care at any time of day or night, which is particularly important for consumers who require around-the-clock assistance.

Overall, the CDPAP program provides consumers with greater flexibility, control, and personalized care than traditional home care programs. It is an excellent option for those who want to receive high-quality home care services while maintaining independence and autonomy over their own lives.

Services Included in CDPAP Program

The CDPAP program offers a wide range of services to consumers who require assistance with daily living activities. These services include but are not limited to:

  • Grooming, such as hair care and shaving
  • Bathing, including sponge baths or showers
  • Dressing, such as help with putting on clothes or changing outfits
  • Toileting, which involves assistance with using the bathroom and cleaning up afterward
  • Feeding, including meal preparation and feeding assistance if necessary
  • Medication management, such as reminding consumers to take their medications on time and administering medication if necessary

In addition to providing basic home care services such as assistance with bathing, grooming, and meal preparation, the CDPAP program also allows consumers to receive more specialized care. For instance:

  • Consumers who require skilled nursing care can receive those services through the program. This includes treatments such as wound care, medication management, and catheter changes.
  • Consumers who need physical therapy can also receive those services through the program. This might involve exercises to improve strength and mobility, as well as stretches and massages to relieve pain.
It is important to note that while personal assistants are responsible for providing these services, they do not replace medical professionals. Consumers should still see their doctors on a regular basis and follow any treatment plans prescribed by their healthcare providers.

How Many Hours of Home Care Will I Get?

One of the biggest advantages of the CDPAP program is that it provides consumers with a flexible schedule for their home care services. The number of hours of care that a consumer receives through the program will depend on their individual needs and medical condition.

When applying for CDPAP, consumers must undergo an assessment to determine their level of need. This assessment takes into account factors such as the consumer's ability to perform daily living activities, their medical condition, and any other special needs they may have.

Based on this assessment, consumers are assigned a certain number of hours per week for their home care services. This can range from just a few hours per week to 24/7 care, depending on the consumer's needs.

It is important to note that consumers can request changes to their schedule at any time if they feel that they need more or less assistance. Additionally, personal assistants are paid for every hour that they work, so consumers can rest assured that they will receive the amount of care that they require.

Overall, the CDPAP program provides consumers with a personalized approach to home care services and ensures that they receive the amount of care that they need to maintain their health and independence.

Allowed Caregivers

Who can provide care under the CDPAP program?

To be eligible, personal assistants must meet certain requirements. They must be 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States and cannot be spouses or designated representatives of the consumer. In most cases, PAs are not required to pass criminal background checks. They're only required if the Consumer is enrolled in a PACE program. Learn more about the PACE program here.

It's important to note that while family members or friends can be hired as personal assistants, they must still trained by the consumer to fill the need in care. This ensures that consumers receive high-quality care from qualified individuals who are trained to meet their specific needs.

Personal assistants can come from a variety of backgrounds and may have different levels of experience providing care. Some may have previous experience working as professional caregivers or nurses, while others may have only provided informal care for family members or friends.

Can a caregiver live at the same address as the consumer?

One common question that arises for those considering CDPAP is whether or not a caregiver can live at the same address as the consumer. The answer is yes! In fact, it's quite common for personal assistants to live with the consumer they are caring for. This can be particularly helpful for consumers who require around-the-clock care or who have limited mobility.

However, it's important to note that personal assistants cannot be a parent of a child under 21, legal spouse or designated representatives of the consumer.

Hiring a Family Member as a Paid Family Caregiver

One of the unique aspects of the CDPAP program is that it allows consumers to hire family members as their personal assistants. This can be a great option for consumers who have family members or friends who are willing and able to provide care.

However, there are some important things to keep in mind when hiring a family member as a paid caregiver under the CDPAP program.

Additionally, consumers should carefully consider whether hiring a family member is the best option for them. While having a family member as a caregiver can be beneficial in many ways, it can also create challenges and potential conflicts.

For instance, if a consumer's family member is their personal assistant, it may be difficult for them to maintain boundaries between their personal and professional roles. Additionally, if there are disagreements or conflicts between the consumer and their personal assistant (who is also a family member), it may be more difficult to resolve those issues than if the caregiver were an unrelated individual.

Consumers should also keep in mind that while they have control over who provides their care under the CDPAP program, they do not have complete control over how that care is provided. Personal assistants must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing home care services, including infection control protocols and reporting any concerns or issues to the consumer's healthcare provider.

Overall, while hiring a family member as a paid caregiver can be an excellent option for some consumers under the CDPAP program, it is important to carefully consider all factors before making this decision. Consumers should weigh the benefits against potential challenges and conflicts to ensure that they make an informed choice about their home care services.

Certification and Training

Are caregivers required to have any license or certification?

Under the CDPAP program, personal assistants are not required to have any specific license or certification. However, they must complete a training period by the consumer or designated rep. that covers topics such as infection control, safety protocols, and basic caregiving skills. This training ensures that personal assistants are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to consumers.

It is important to note that while personal assistants do not need a specific license or certification, they must still meet certain eligibility requirements. This includes being legally authorized to work in the United States.

Consumers should also keep in mind that personal assistants can perform tasks that would normally be performed by a nurse or other medical professional as long as they are trained and directed by the consumer/designated rep.

Who trains the Personal Assistant?

Personal assistants who work under the CDPAP program are not required to complete a formal training program before they can begin providing care.

The training is provided by the consumer or their representative, who is responsible for ensuring that the personal assistant receives all necessary training. Consumers can choose to provide this training themselves or hire an outside agency to provide it.

In some cases, consumers may have specific requirements or preferences when it comes to the type of training their personal assistants receive. For instance, consumers with complex medical conditions may require more specialized training in areas such as medication management or wound care.

Regardless of who provides the training, all personal assistants should complete it before they can begin providing care under the CDPAP program. This ensures that consumers receive high-quality care from qualified individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their specific needs.

Home Care Services Allowed

What types of home care services can Personal Assistants provide?

Personal assistants under the CDPAP program are authorized to provide a wide range of home care services to consumers. These services can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of each consumer, ensuring that they receive high-quality care that is both effective and personalized.

Some of the types of home care services that personal assistants can provide include:

  • Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding
  • Light housekeeping tasks, such as cleaning and laundry
  • Meal preparation and grocery shopping
  • Medication management, including assistance with taking medications on time and administering medication if necessary
  • Transportation to medical appointments or other outings
  • Companionship and emotional support

In addition to these basic home care services, personal assistants can also provide more specialized care for consumers who require it. This might include skilled nursing care for consumers with complex medical conditions or physical therapy for consumers who need help improving their strength, mobility, or range of motion.

Ultimately, the types of home care services that personal assistants can provide will depend on the individual needs and preferences of each consumer. By working closely with their healthcare providers and personal assistants, consumers can create a customized plan for their home care services that meets all their needs while supporting their independence and quality of life.

CDPAP and Medicaid

CDPAP is a program that is available to consumers who are eligible for Medicaid. This means that consumers who meet the financial and medical eligibility requirements for Medicaid may also be eligible for CDPAP services.

One of the benefits of using CDPAP through Medicaid is that it is often more cost-effective than traditional home care services. Under Medicaid, the cost of home care services is typically covered in full for eligible consumers, meaning that they do not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

In addition to being cost-effective, using CDPAP through Medicaid can also provide consumers with greater flexibility and control over their home care services. Consumers can choose their own personal assistants and work with them directly to create a plan for their care that meets their individual needs and preferences.

Overall, using CDPAP through Medicaid can be an excellent option for consumers who require home care services but want more control over how those services are provided. By working closely with their healthcare providers and personal assistants, consumers can receive high-quality care while maintaining their independence and quality of life.

How Are Personal Assistants Paid under the CDPAP Program?

One of the unique features of the CDPAP program is that it allows consumers to hire their own personal assistants, who can be family members or friends. These personal assistants are then paid by the program to provide care.

The  personal assistants under the CDPAP program is fairly straightforward. Personal assistants are paid an hourly wage, which is set by the program and varies depending on the region in which they work. The hourly wage includes all taxes and benefits, so personal assistants do not need to worry about withholding taxes on their own.

Personal assistants must clock in and out via telephone or app and or submit timesheets to the CDPAP agency on a regular basis to ensure that they are paid accurately and on time. The agency will review these timesheets and issue payments directly to the personal assistant.

Overall, the payment process for personal assistants under the CDPAP program is simple and transparent. Personal assistants can rest assured that they will be paid fairly for their services, while consumers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are receiving high-quality care from trusted individuals.

Conclusion

CDPAP has been successfully implemented in New York State since 1995 and has become a popular alternative to traditional home care programs. The program has been credited with improving consumer outcomes and reducing the cost of care.

If you or a loved one is in need of home care services, consider exploring the CDPAP program. It offers a unique and flexible approach to care that can improve the quality of life for consumers and their families.

Sources:

  1. New York State Department of Health. (2021). Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap.htm
  2. New York State Department of Health. (2021). CDPAP for Consumers. Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/publications/adm/11adm6.htm

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