TAKING CONTROL

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program
of Western New York Independent Living, Inc.

Why Should I Take Control?

As a person with a disability, Control is a key factor for getting what you want out of life. Having the ability to respond to opportunities while exercising the flexibility to change according to any given situation is imperative to succeeding in your goals.

Working with Personal Care Aides, this flexibility is diminished by the need to work with schedulers and nurses creating a schedule that is very difficult to change and may actually limit independence and freedom of choice.

That's where Taking Control comes in. This program will allow you to become the supervisor of your own personal assistant services. You can hire who you like (subject to some restrictions), train them in the areas important to you, and supervise their work on a daily basis. Tasks are not as limited as they are in a traditional-care aide plan. If a personal assistant does not work well for you, you can replace them.

Testimonial:

WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE CONTROL?

HOW WILL INDEPENDENT LIVING HELP ME TAKE CONTROL?

Independent Living will work primarily as the "Employer of Record" In addition, staff can:

Nancy taking control

Hello my name is Nancy and I am proud mother of five beautiful children. In May of 2000 I was in a tragic motorcycle accident resulting in becoming paralyzed from the neck down. Through Gods grace, the love of my family and much therapy I have slight use of my left arm. Throughout the years I have had many caregivers come through my home through the use of traditional agencies. There were always restrictions on what the caregiver could do and the time of day they could work. I felt as if I was never completely in control of my care. When I learned about the Independent Living Program it was very exciting. The staff was informative, professional and very proficient in assisting me through the program. As a single mother with a disability living in my own home with just my children, it is liberating to Take Control of the HOW and WHEN my care is given. My caregivers not only assist me in my everyday living but they have helped me to achieve a more nurturing environment for my children. Since my accident my children and I have always tried to live an active, productive and consistent lifestyle. With CDPAP I have achieved these goals. In addition, I have been able to hire staff that suits my family personality. Most importantly, my immediate family has more time to be with me personally than dealing with my disability

WHAT TASKS CAN I TAKE CONTROL OF?

TAKING CONTROL allows you to direct your assistant in tasks that include, but are not limited to:

(These responsibilities are subject to a limit on the number of hours set by the Department of Social Services)

Amy taking control

WHO CAN I HIRE?

If accepted into the Taking Control program you can hire almost anyone to be your personal assistant. The only people expressly forbidden to provide personal care aide services (and get paid for it) are members of your nuclear family such as: a son or daughter, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, spouse (wife or husband), or parent.