Why Build a SmartHome – Part II

A few weeks ago we posted on this blog some of the reasons we decided to build our two SmartHomes. That post discussed the big, national picture. Right here in this great state of Colorado, there are some compelling reasons to explore new methods of service delivery.

To be blunt, the Colorado Developmental Disabilities System is in a state of crisis. Need proof? Here’s some disturbing facts:

• Colorado ranks 46th in the nation in fiscal effort toward providing funding for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

• There are currently more than 9,100 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families on a waiting list to receive services in Colorado.

• Since 2001, the number of people on the waiting list for comprehensive (24 hour) services in Colorado has increased 189%

• Since 2001, the number of people on the waiting list for Supported Living Services (used to supplement already available supports for adults who either can live independently with limited supports or are principally supported from other sources such as families) has increased by 117%.

• An estimated 8,756 people with developmental disabilities in Colorado are living with family caregivers aged 60 and older.

• Waiver rewrites (Medicaid waivers are the funding mechanisms for people with developmental disabilities so they can receive services): waivers are no longer viewed as tools designed to provide services to help people with developmental disabilities engage in their communities, they are instead viewed as insurance “benefits” payments based on a standard fee schedule throughout the State. While this may work in other healthcare settings that supplement Medicaid payments with other sources, this is not true in the DD community.

For some very specific examples of how these waiver rewrites (the last bullet) are negatively impacting Colorado citizens with developmental disabilities, check out this article from Westword.

So, it is increasingly evident that the current system of funding and service delivery is unsustainable. However, there are few alternatives out there. That is why we are creating a new way of providing services through our SmartHomes.

It is time to find solutions, and someone needs to step up to the plate. That’s what we are trying to do here.