Self-Directed Services
Empowering people to have choice over their services.
Overview
Self-Direction gives you the option to choose your own services and supports so you can live the life you want. By self-directing your services, you have the flexibility to choose the staff you want to work with, the activities you want to participate in, and many other supports and services you choose to access.
If you decide to self-direct your services, you will work with a team of people, referred to as your Circle of Support, who will help you select your services and put together a budget. Your Circle of Support could include family, close friends, your Care Coordinator, a Broker, a Fiscal Intermediary, and staff that you choose. Lifetime Assistance provides, both, Broker and Fiscal Intermediary supports.
Fiscal Intermediary (FI)
Fiscal Intermediary staff at Lifetime Assistance will work with you to self-direct your services. The Fiscal Intermediary will assist you with hiring and managing your staff, assist with billing and payment of approved goods and services, will manage fiscal accounting and reporting.
Broker
Broker staff at Lifetime Assistance will work with you to develop the self-directed plans and budget based on the services and supports that you need. The Broker will work with you and your Circle of Support, to ensure you are living the life you want and are choosing the supports and services that are right for you.
Why would I choose Self-Direction?
In addition to giving you greater choice and control of your services and supports, a self-directed plan may include options such as:
- Gym memberships
- Community classes and memberships
- Clothing stipend
- Camps accredited through the Department of Health
- Transportation reimbursement
- Hiring your own staff
- Rent subsidies and housing supports
- Reimbursement for internet and cell phone
- Other items that may help increase independence
How do I get started?
If you are interested in getting started with Self-Directed services through Lifetime Assistance, the first step is to work with your Care Coordinator to complete our referral packet:
To download a pdf that you can complete electronically, please click here.
For more information, please contact our Senior Coordinator of Community Services, Rachel Mason at 585-851-0399 or email Rachel.Mason@lifetimeassistance.org
Self-Direction services are available for people who are eligible for New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) waiver services. To access OPWDD services, start by calling OPWDD’s Front Door toll-free at 855-679-3335.