Working with Agencies

Working with Agencies

Agencies are there to help you hire and pay your workers. However, working with agencies can be challenging. In this section, you will learn about working with agency staff. This information can help you get the most out of what agencies have to offer.

 

Woman uses a computer while a man stands over her shoulder

Terms to Know

When you work with agency staff, there may be terms that you are not used to. In this section, you will learn a few that are important for rural consumers. You may know some of these terms already, but others may be new.

 

 

Man wipes down countertop

Skills for Asking for Help

For many people, asking for help is not easy! Many rural people like to be independent, and they worry about being a burden on others.

In this section, you will learn some ways to:

  • Increase your confidence when asking for help,
  • Understand your program rules, and
  • Find resources when you need them

 

 

Person helps wheelchair user tie their neck tie

Advocacy Tips

Being able to advocate for what you need is key to working with agencies. Think back to the self-advocacy from the first session. Can you think of some ways you would want to advocate around your functional needs?

 

 

Young woman sits at a table and looks at the person across from her

Moving Toward Self-Direction

Most rural people prefer and use a model of care that puts them in charge. This model goes by different names:

  • It can be called self-directed care
  • It can also be called consumer-directed services

 

 

Resources

Functional Needs

Functional Needs.docx

Functional Needs.pdf

Home and Community-Based Services – Information on Self-Direction

This booklet provides detailed information on self-directed care. It was published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You may want to check with your agency staff to make sure this information is still current.

HCBS Consumer Directed Care Booklet.pdf

 

 

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