Goal 3: Establish innovative care and support services that allows consumer control and choice, while assuring autonomy and is focused on an older adults continuum of care

Story Behind the Curve

In 2008, ACL, on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began a partnership with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to serve veterans of all ages at risk of nursing home placement through the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program. 

What We Do

The vision is to have a long-term service and supports (LTSS) system that is person-centered and participant-directed, and that helps people at risk of institutionalization to continue to live at home and engage in community life. The VHA will increase access to HCBS to serve the growing demand of veterans who prefer independence at home over living in a nursing facility.

Who We Serve

The VDC program provides veterans with opportunities to self-direct their LTSS and continue living independently at home. Eligible veterans manage their own flexible budgets, decide what mix of goods and services best meet their needs, and hire and supervise their own workers. Through an options counselor, the Aging and Disability Network Agency provides facilitated assessment and care/service planning, arranges fiscal management services, and provides ongoing counseling and support to veterans, their families, and caregivers.

Story Behind the Curve

A voucher is a payment mechanism for specified services. Vouchered programs give the clients more choice and control of where services are obtained.

What We Do

• Support aging in place-providing services in homes and communities
• Support caregivers
• Combat senior hunger
• Encourage healthy and productive aging
• Build and sustain capabilities to meet emerging needs and challenges

Who We Serve

At the heart of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department’s mission is the belief that New Mexico’s older adults and adults with disabilities have the right to remain active participants in their communities, to age with respect and dignity, to be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to have equal access to health care. The Department is a leader in developing programs and building partnerships that support lifelong independence and healthy aging.

How We Impact

Provide consumer choice and control of accessible, integrated services to older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers to assist in maintaining their independence, dignity, health, safety, and economic well-being, thereby empowering them to live independently in their own communities as productively as possible.

Design Specification: Non-Data Driven Measure