Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for services?
There are two primary ways to qualify for Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Intellectual Disabilities & Autism Services: private pay or by meeting eligibility requirements under MaineCare Sections 20, 21 or 29 waiver sources administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Who is on my team?
Depending on your needs and goals, you will work collaboratively with a team consisting of some or all of these roles: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), House Manager, Residential Manager, Residential Program Director, Job Coach, Employment Specialist, Planning Coordinator, Community Case Manager.
Does Creative Works help manage services?
Creative Works offers Case Management services for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. For more information, visit our Community Case Management page.
24/7 Residential Care
What does the intake process look like?
After initial contact, a Regional Director of Residential Services with guide you through:
Tour(s) of potential residence(s)
A visit to meet staff and prospective housemates (usually for a meal)
Collection of all pertinent records
Ensuring all parties involved feel like it’s a good fit
An intake meeting
Moving in (approx. 30 days after intake meeting)
How many people usually live in a 24/7 Residential Care home?
The average American family household consists of 3 people. Because we’re committed to providing homes where people can build familial relationships, our residences consist of 2 to 4 housemates.
How much is Room and Board?
Standard Room and Board is $735 per month, which includes a private room, utilities, meals, personal care items and more. It is expected that individuals purchase their own cable and internet packages, however, many housemates pay for these services together, which keeps costs low. We don’t want finances to be a barrier and we can be flexible with rates based on individual circumstances.
Who cooks meals?
Depending on your Personal Care Plan, you may cook all of your own meals independently, or Direct Support Staff may assist, or Direct Support Staff may cook your meals for you. We encourage all participants to express their preferences, abilities, and creativity in the kitchen.
Who will help me with my medications?
Every Creative Works residence has staff who have received the title of CRMA (Certified Residential Medication Aide), a state-licensed certification that qualifies them to pass medications to individuals receiving HCBS. For more information, visit our Trainings page.
Can I take medications on my own?
You have a right to self-administer medications and your team will support you in developing a Personal Care Plan that reflects your goals.
Can I have my own money?
You have a right to hold your own money. Based on your Personal Care Plan, we will support you with keeping your money secure.
Can I go out into the community on my own?
You have the right to access the community in the safest manner possible, which will be outlined in your personal plan.
Shared Living
What does Shared Living look like?
Shared living is a program based on a “shared life” approach to providing care and support to people with developmental disabilities. The program unites trained providers who have a desire to share their homes with individuals who need assistance with daily living, with adults seeking a familial living environment. The shared living model provides a lifestyle that is more family centered and offers more options for natural supports.
How do I qualify to participate in Shared Living?
Shared Living is for any individual with intellectual disabilities or autism who prefers to live in a family-type home, who is eligible for MaineCare services under the Section 21 or 29 Home and Community-Based Waiver, and whose Person-Centered Planning (PCP) team has determined this to be an appropriate living option.
How do I become a Shared Living provider?
A shared living provider must be willing to share their home and provide a safe and nurturing environment to help individuals with developmental disabilities to strengthen daily living skills and develop a greater independence to pursue their interests and build relationships in the community. The support provided may include, but is not limited to, medication administration, coaching to assist them in meeting their personal goals, support with decision making, budgeting, transportation, assistance with community inclusion, and support of overall health and safety needs.
As a potential shared living provider you must be willing to take and keep up with the required trainings, which include, and are provided by Creative Works, or you can do the trainings on your own. The trainings are required by the state and include the DSP, FA/CPR, 8 hour medication, and a SLO NEO. A home inspection as per state guidelines, which is outlined in the Shared Living Provider Manual. Any modifications needed to adhere to the state requirements, for example, switching outlets by water sources to one with a GFI, must be accommodated. The agency also provides ongoing support to the provider, monthly home visits and availability of agency staff to assist with any day to day challenges that might arise.
Providers, once qualified, with Creative Works, the administrative agency, will become an independent contractor and will enter into a contract with Creative Works and are paid an annual stipend which will be paid in bi-weekly installments.
How does placement take place?
Placement takes place after meeting and interviewing with the administrative agency and stating what would be the best fit for you and/or your family and setting. Calls and vendor calls will be responded to and the best fit will be presented with an initial meeting/phone call with you and the administrative agency as to the fit that is found. A first meet and greet with be set up to take a tour of the house and review the participant’s needs, likes, dislikes, and wants. Once the meeting is over, you and the participant will decide if you’d like to move forward. There can also be a day arranged for you and the participant to spend time together to get to know each other a little better before a decision is made. If it is decided by both parties to move forward, the state will be informed and other meetings will take place for goals and placement.
Intermittent Home Supports
What does Intermittent Home Supports look like?
As part of residential services, Intermittent Home Support services are designed to maximize independence, helping individuals maintain greater awareness and control over their lives. These services are specifically customized to your needs, and are provided in your home, apartments, family home, or shared home with housemates. We work with you to determine what services are needed.
Creative Works can provide assistance with a wide range of needs, from preparing for work each day to planning leisure time. Our highly trained Direct Support Providers can help people connect with the community, build relationships, improve budgeting, access public transportation, and plan meals, among an array of other everyday tasks. Specific tasks and schedules are based entirely upon an individual’s needs.
Must I own my own home?
No, services can be provided in a home, apartment, family home, or shared home with housemates.
How many hours may I receive per week?
The hours received all depend on the waiver and other services that are being provided for the individual.
Does this service include transportation?
Independent Living is a home-based program and focuses on everyday tasks that take us out into the community. Grocery shopping, banking, dump and Clynk runs, volunteering, gym or exercise in the community, as well as visiting family, are but just a few examples. Our Direct Support staff provide transportation under Logisticare for Medicare-related travel to and from Medicare-related programs as well as work.
Brain Injury Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for services?
For individuals with brain injury, there are three primary ways to qualify for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): private pay, via workers compensation or by meeting eligibility requirements under MaineCare Section 18, a waiver source administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Is Creative Works accredited?
Since 1990, Creative Works has received the highest level of three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an international body that sets standards for exceptional, person-centered care. Creative Works deeply values the validation that CARF accreditation awards and we continually strive to deliver consistently outstanding supports that meet these high standards.
Who is on my team?
Depending on your needs and goals, you will work collaboratively with a team consisting of some or all of these roles: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), House Manager, Residential Manager, Residential Program Director, Job Coach, Employment Specialist, Planning Coordinator, Care Coordinator.
Does Creative Works help manage services?
Creative Works offers specialized Care Coordination services for individuals with acquired brain injuries. For more information, visit our Care Coordination page.
24/7 Residential Care
What does the intake process look like?
After initial contact, the Director of Brain Injury Services will guide you through:
An initial interview at your home for Q & A
Tour(s) of potential residence(s)
A visit to meet staff and prospective housemates
Collection of all pertinent records
Ensuring all parties involved feel like it’s a good fit
An intake meeting and creation of a plan and goals
Moving in (approx. 30 days after intake meeting)
How many people usually live in a 24/7 Residential Care home?
Due to varied needs, we offer a few different size homes, varying from three to eight people.
How much is Room and Board?
Standard Room and Board is $735 a month, which includes a private room, utilities, meals, personal care items and more. It is expected that individuals purchase their own cable and internet packages, however, many housemates pay for these services together, which keeps costs low. We don’t want finances to be a barrier and we can be flexible with rates based on individual circumstances.
What kind of services do you provide?
Medication management by a Certified Residential Medication Aide and appointment coordination
Life skills development
Personal hygiene maintenance
Household management
Fostering personal relationships and community engagement
Self-advocacy and self-expression development
Behavior management
What is the estimated length of stay?
Many factors affect the length of stay including age, functional status, further in time from injury, medical acuity or complexity and physical or cognitive challenges. For some individuals, living in our 24/7 residential program is a stepping stone to independence. For some individuals, our home becomes their forever home, affording them the independence from needing family care while in a safe environment.
Can I have my own money?
You have a right to hold your own money. Based on your required needs and goals, we will support you with keeping your money secure.
Can I go out into the community on my own?
You have the right to access the community in the safest manner possible, which will be outlined in your personal plan.
Can I work?
You have the right to work and staff will assist coordinating and supporting you to find employment.
In-Home Supports
What is In-Home support?
These are services for an adult with a brain injury who does not require 24/7 care. The services are provided in the participant’s home. This service offers individually tailored supports to assist with the acquisition, retention, or improvement in skills related to living in the community. This may include services for a participant who does not require face-to-face care but would benefit from electronic communication to ensure health and safety.
What kind of support is provided?
Supports include assistance from a Direct Support Professional for adaptive skill development, assistance with activities of daily living, community inclusion, transportation, adult educational supports, social and leisure skill development and medication support which assists the participant to reside in their own home.
How flexible is this service?
We tailor the support to your needs as outlined in your Personal Care Plan.