Did you know that a family member can get paid to help you at home? This is a great boon thanks to the State of New Jersey. Here's a write up by the Begley Law Group: 

============================================New Jersey’s Personal Preference Program (PPP) lets people with autism who qualify for Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) hire and pay a family member or someone they know to be their home caregiver, instead of relying on outside agencies. To participate, the individual must be eligible for Personal Care Assistant Services, need care for at least six months, and either be able to direct their care or have someone (an “authorized representative”) help manage it. The selected caregiver—such as a parent, sibling, or relative—can receive compensation after enrolling through the program, and payroll is handled by an approved agency, making the process straightforward and secure. This gives families more control, flexibility, and the ability to support loved ones in the comfort of their own home. 

Here's information directly from the State of New Jersey DDD website!

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New Jersey Self-Directed Services

Self-directed services are home and community-based services that help you or a loved one with personal care needs maintain independence. Self-directed services allow for personal choice in what services will best meet personal needs, who will deliver those services, and when and where services are provided within program guidelines.

The New Jersey Personal Preference Program (PPP) offers a way for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid members, who qualify for the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) service, to remain in their home, active in their community, and does not require the use of a home health care agency.  

PCA services are non-emergent, health related tasks delivered under NJ FamilyCare. Tasks include help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) essential to the member's health and comfort, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.

The PPP requires greater individual responsibility, but in return, offers greater control, flexibility and choice over the services you receive. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us!