This family chose to develop home based supports.
Alternative Day Supports is an MCS service that will allow you to choose or design your own supports within a fixed budget.
What is the purpose of Alternative Day Supports?
- To provide individuals and families the flexibility to design a weekly program of supports that is important to them.
Delivering Meals on Wheels is an activity one family chose that enables them to “give back” to the community
Who is eligible?
- Someone who is DDS eligible and has Chapter 688 funding allocation and/or family support allocation
- Each individual must be referred through a DDS Area Office Transition Coordinator or by a Family Support Case Manager
You receive Case Management assistance to help create a weekly schedule that includes activities of
your own choosing such as:
- Volunteering, starting your own business, job exploration
- Personal Expression – writing, visual arts, music
- Physical Fitness – exercise classes, personal instruction (swimming, horseback riding etc.)
- Educational – sign language, communication technology, certificate program (first aid), take a class, pet care
- Other possibilities include: cultural, social/recreational activities, hobbies, and personal safety, community skills (banking, understanding money, and shopping, using public transportation.
What are the benefits of Alternative Day Supports?
Families can choose the supports they want, when they need them and have access to an MCS Case Manager. Examples of specialized supports include emergency behavioral intervention, in home training and consultation.
Things to consider when deciding if “personalized supports” are right for you and your family member…
- Individual services may be more expensive, which could result in fewer hours
- Greater time commitment on the part of the family is required
- If you hire your own staff, you have obligations as an employer
They might be right for you if:
- You want more flexibility in your services
- You want more control over your budget
- You want to mange your support workers
- You want to hire people you know
- You do not require full daytime coverage (30 hours)
- You are willing to accept increased responsibilities
Your responsibilities:
- Develop a plan with MCS and DDS representatives
- Obtain DDS budget approval
- Stay within budget amount
- Participate with external monitoring for program safety and spending accountability
What should I do if I’m interested in Alternative Day Supports?
- Meet with a DDS 688 Transition Coordinator to discuss Alternative Day Support or other day options
- Speak with Family Support provider
- For more information, please call MCS Program Coordinator Lisa Podworski at 413.782.2500 ext. 314 or email lisapodworski@mcsnet.org
Can I change my mind if Alternative Day Supports is not working for me or for my family member?
Yes! You can always meet with an MCS Case Manager and a representative from DDS to discuss other day options.
Alternative day and family supports can be a good choice when you are in transition or need a short term option.