BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Department of Human Services is hosting local and virtual community conversations in November, beginning this week, to share information about in-home and community-based long-term services and support options available to help older adults and adults with physical disabilities live at home.
The department’s Aging Services team will also discuss caregiving workforce opportunities and is seeking input from North Dakotans on services and supports included in the state’s Medicaid waiver and State Plan on Aging.
Division Director Nancy Nikolas Maier said, “We want to visit with local residents about state and federally funded services that make it possible for people with physical disabilities, including those who qualify for skilled nursing facility care, to live at home and in their communities, and how a local caregiver workforce makes that possible.”
In-person community conversations are scheduled in Napoleon, Nov. 16, 10 – 11:30 a.m.; Dunseith, Nov. 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m.; Casselton, Nov. 18, 1:30 – 3 p.m.; and Hettinger, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and Glen Ullin, 3 – 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 23. Meeting times are Central Time, except in Hettinger, which is Mountain Time. The Glen Ullin event is hosted in partnership with the Aging in Community Program for Glen Ullin and Hebron.
North Dakotans unable to attend locally are invited to participate in one of two virtual community conversations online or by telephone on Nov. 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Central Time. Details about each community conversation event are available online at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/publicnotice/index.html.
Participants will learn about in-home and community services, such as housecleaning, help with meals and personal care needs, medication management, and services that can give family members a short break from caregiving, as well as how to access needed services. Dementia care services, nutrition and health services, the vulnerable adults program and other services will also be discussed. Participants are encouraged to comment on services, access to services and any unmet needs.
Individuals who need disability accommodations to participate should contact Jaci Seefeldt at 701-328-4645, 711 (TTY) or jjseefeldt@nd.gov. In-person meeting participants are encouraged to follow any local COVID-19 protocols.
North Dakotans can get help finding in-home and community-based long-term services and support by contacting the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Link toll-free at 855-462-5465, 711 (TTY) or email carechoice@nd.gov. Individuals can also apply for these services online or search the online database at https://carechoice.nd.assistguide.net/.
For more information on becoming a qualified service provider of in-home and community-based services, contact the Medical Services Division at 701-328-4602, 711 (TTY) or dhshcbs@nd.gov. Details are online at www.nd.gov/dhs/services/adultsaging/providers.html.