Personal Assistance Services

This program allows people with disabilities to live in their home and in the community, eliminating the need for institutionalization.

Goals

  • To provide personal assistance support services to persons with disabilities so that they can continue living in their homes rather than an institution.
  • To allow persons with disabilities to choose, direct and schedule their personal care worker to fit their needs and wishes.
Contact Information
Staff Name: Ginger Reimer
Title: PAS Program Director
Phone: 414-226-8341 (V/Relay), 414-291-7520 (V/TTY)
E-mail: Ginger Reimer

Program Availability
Serving primarily Milwaukee County

Q&A

Who is this program for?
People with disabilities who choose to privately pay or who receive Medicaid (MA), Community Options Program (COP), I-Care, or Family Care funding for personal assistance services.

Type of Assistance / Information
Personal Assistance Services may include assistance with: bathing and personal hygiene, mobility and ambulation, changing bedding, laundry, skin care, dressing, undressing, toileting, light housekeeping, meal preparation, food purchasing and meal service.

Eligibility Requirements
People with disabilities who choose to privately pay or who receive Medicaid (MA), Community Options Program (COP), I-Care, or Family Care funding for personal assistance services.

Types of classes Offered (Individual or Group)
40 hour training for personal care workers who are employed with IndependenceFirst.

Consumer Responsibilities/Expectations
Participants are expected to manage their own personal assistance services. While IndependenceFirst provides legally required case management by a Registered Nurse, the intent of our PAS program is to empower the person with a disability with the authority and responsibility to identify, manage, and schedule their own personal care workers. Participants must agree to responsibly use services to ensure independence in the community and have back-up support available as needed.

Cost
Fee for service through private pay or Medicaid (MA), Community Options Program (COP), I-Care, or Family Care funding.