“This helps me help her,” said Shawn, speaking about the power and positive impact of DePaul’s Agency-Directed Services (ADS) program.
Shawn and his daughter Dianna became part of the ADS program after struggling to navigate the Medicaid waiver system and get Dianna the care she needed at home. The family speaks English as a second language, so working through the complex waiver paperwork was challenging. During that time, Shawn was searching for a helping hand, and DePaul had a new program designed for just that.
“A social worker at Carilion introduced me to here [DePaul] and I needed some services for Dianna because she needed assistance,” said Shawn.
DePaul’s ADS program was introduced in early 2024 for families with a Medicaid waiver in Virginia who need to receive a little extra help at home. Services range from bathing and feeding to mobility support and light housekeeping. When families enter the program, a registered nurse develops a plan of care to meet the unique needs of each individual in the program. The ADS team guides individuals and their families as they choose the care needed and who provides that care, whether it’s a family member, if qualified, or a provider in the area. For Shawn and his family, the program provided a lifeline during a difficult time.
“It has been most helpful,” said Shawn. “It has made a huge difference. I couldn’t do this before DePaul.”
Now, with the help of the program, Shawn is a paid caregiver for Dianna and able to meet her needs—from feeding and bathing to working on communicating—at home where she is most comfortable. DePaul’s ADS program serves all ages from infant to elderly. Currently, the program serves Covington, Alleghany, Botetourt, Roanoke, Salem, Franklin, Bedford, Craig, Montgomery, and Floyd. So far, the program has served dozens of families in need, but the team says calls for assistance continue to come in every day from all over the state.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to bring hope and belonging through this program in a way that helps bridge the gap where services were so needed, particularly for pediatrics,” said Lauren, director of Agency-Directed Services. “While we can serve all ages through Agency-Directed Services, we are currently the only pediatric provider in the Roanoke Valley. To see families like Shawn’s receive services in their home is really what this service is all about. I look forward to the future.”
In time, DePaul hopes to expand the program, reaching more individuals and families searching for help at home, hope, and belonging.