The Barren River Area Development District/Area Agency on Aging staff coordinated with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Aging and Independent Living and Department for Medicaid Services to began implementing the Kentucky Health Choices:  Consumer Directed Option (CDO) Program in October 2006 for eligible Medicaid members throughout the Barren River Area.  Kentucky Health Choices Members served under the Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver or members eligible for waiver may now enroll in the new Consumer Directed Options program.  This program allows Medicaid Members greater choices in selecting care providers for non-medical waiver services such as respite care, personal care, homemaking and attendant care services.  Members who choose CDO can hire family members, friends or neighbors who do not live in the member’s home to provide these services.  Service providers must be at least 18 years old, be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, undergo a criminal background and Nurse Registry check and completed training on Person Centered Planning, Self Determination and Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Training before providing any services to members. Members who need assistance in directing their services can select a representative to assist them. 

On November 30, 2006, BRADD/AAA also began offering the Consumer Directed Options (CDO) Program to the Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver Members.
Non-medical services include: respite, community living supports and community habilitation.  In January 2007, the BRADD/AAA will begin offering the Consumer Directed Options Program to persons receiving services through the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver.  Non-medical services offered include:  respite, companion care, and personal care.  

For more information about the Consumer Directed Options Program, please contact the Director of Aging Services, Debbie McCarty or Aging Planner/Homecare Coordinator, Michelle Hines at 1-270-781-2381 or 1-800-598-2381.