In the past few years, we have seen a sharp decline in this service’s accessibility for people who need this service to be able to stay in their own homes successfully by having supports that increase skills and abilities to be successful in the community of the person’s choosing. We are concerned by the lack of providers of this service and others who support our fellow peers. We also know that individuals who may have non-traditional housing arrangements do not qualify for this service due to their housing situation.
If Maine citizens, not just State Government offices, do not spend some significant resources to look at the workforce issues in behavioral health and other critical services we will continue to struggle to have a community to support our fellow peers.
Recommendations:
- We support a broad, inclusive definition of the term “living quarters” in the DLSS definition, similarly to how the Secretary of State’s defines eligibility for voting for those unhoused. “Homeless/Displaced persons: If you are homeless or living in a shelter, you are entitled to register to vote in the Maine municipality where you currently reside, even if you have a non-traditional address such as a park bench or other physical location. You may submit a physical description of your place of residence, under oath, to your municipal clerk in lieu of other residency documentation. Voters who are homeless are not required to present a mailing address in order to register to vote.” We say this as many individuals choose to live in non-traditional.
- DHHS needs to clarify internally and externally to providers who can access these services. For example, if someone chooses to live in their car, they should qualify just as much as anyone who owns or rents a home.
- We would like to see a wider array of agencies providing this service so that it is accessible in all parts of the State of Maine.
Expected Outcomes:
We expect that no matter what you define as a home or what area of Maine you live in you can access DLSS.
Definition: “Daily Living Support Services (DLS) are designed to assist a member to maintain the highest level of independence possible. The services provide personal supervision and therapeutic support to assist members to develop and maintain the skills of daily living. The services help members remain oriented, healthy, and safe. Without these supportive services, members likely would not be able to retain community tenure and would require crisis intervention or hospitalization. These services are provided to members in or from their homes or temporary living quarters in accordance with an individual support plan. Support methods include modeling, cueing, and coaching.” From Keypro’s website.
To submit feedback, ideas, or a personal story relating to this issue statement, please send it to the CCSM either by mail at: 219 Capitol St. Suite 7 Augusta, ME 04330, or email at [email protected].
DEADLINE TO RESPOND: April 8, 2024.
