As the New York initiative waiver program, both the NHTD and TBI programs offer a wide range of services. But which one is right for you? If you are confused about whether the NHTD and TBI waiver programs are suitable for your needs and provide services that fulfill your requirements, read this article to clear your confusion, and make an informed choice between the NHTD and TBI waiver programs. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your golden years.
NHTD vs. TBI Waiver
Both NHTD (Nursing Home Transition and Diversion) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) waiver programs are New York initiatives to support individuals with disabilities or seniors and are managed locally through Regional Resource Development Centers (RRDCs).
The NHTD Waiver Program, also known as the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver Program, is a specialized Medicaid program designed to assist individuals and seniors in transitioning from nursing facilities or institutions to their community or prevent institutionalization completely. Its core objective is to prevent institutionalization and promote a more independent lifestyle for its eligible participants. It emphasizes the importance of providing up to 24 hours of home care for individuals who wish to receive care in the community rather than residing in a nursing home or other care facility. This support is crucial for participants so that they live their lives with dignity and autonomy while receiving the care they need.
Whereas the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Program focuses on providing specialized services to individuals with traumatic brain injuries, providing support for their rehabilitation and community integration. This program also shares a similar goal to the NHTD program in transitioning individuals from institutional settings to community-based care environments. This program addresses the specific needs of individuals with traumatic brain injuries through a wide range of services, such as rehabilitation, counseling, and therapeutic interventions. Participants get comprehensive support tailored to their unique challenges, enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence.
This shows the state’s commitment to the well-being of its residents, as these programs are designed to facilitate a smooth transition to managed care. It ensures the continuity of care and services for participants while ensuring the delivery of healthcare resources within their community.
Core objectives
While both programs have core objectives that may seem similar, they are not.
The primary goal of the NHTD waiver program is to support individuals with disabilities and seniors in transitioning from nursing facilities or institutions to community-based settings. By supporting this transition, the program focuses on enhancing the quality of life for participants, promoting independence, and preventing unnecessary institutionalization.
In contrast, the TBI waiver program specifically caters to individuals with TBI, allowing them to create individualized service plans tailored to their unique needs. These plans get reviewed every 6 months to ensure their health and well-being are good, and to make necessary changes to support them.
Services included and excluded
There is a wide range of services offered by both programs. However, there’s a difference. Some of the services are specific to that program only. So, you need to compare the services and objectives before making the decision for you or your loved ones.
The common services that both the NHTD and the TBI waiver programs offer:
- Service coordination (SC): Assist in the development and tailoring of individualized care plans to ensure your unique needs are met as per your requirements.
- Assistive technology: Equipment that improves the quality of life and encourages independence.
- Community Integration Counseling (CIC): Provide different therapies to improve your abilities to develop skills for long-term well-being.
- Community Transitional Services (CTS): Assisting in transition from nursing facilities to the community.
- Environment Modifications (E-mods): Making physical changes in the home to ensure safety and independence.
- Home and community support services (HCSS): It supervises the services that are provided to you, ensuring that they are beneficial for your health and well-being.
- Independent Living Skills Training Services (ILST): Identify the participants’ strengths and weaknesses to assist them in achieving their daily goals.
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Focuses on decreasing or reducing the frequency of behavioral issues.
- Respite Care Services: Informal care services to participants’ primary caregivers or to support the participant.
- Structured Day Program Services: Outpatient setting services to ensure participants can live in the community.
Besides these services, some services are program specific. The NHTD specific services are:
- Congregate and Home Delivered Meals
- Home Visits by Medical Personnel
- Moving Assistance Services
- Nutritional Counseling/Educational Services
- Peer Mentoring
- Respiratory Therapy Services
- Wellness Counseling Service
In Contrast, TBI-specific services are:
- Substance Abuse Program Services
- Waiver Transportation
However, certain services are not included in both programs.
Eligibility and Application Process
Both programs have different criteria for eligibility and application processes.
To be eligible for the NHTD waiver program in New York, individuals need to meet the specific criteria, which involves being aged between 18 to 64 with physical disability and 65 or older, and needing nursing home-level care confirmed by various awards like Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, etc.
On the other hand, individuals aged between 18 and 64 years with traumatic brain injuries and related disabilities are eligible for the TBI program.
Both programs have their referral process, which involves healthcare providers or case managers to identify individuals for their claims and the services offered. Once identified, participants are guided through the application process to determine their eligibility for the program.
After the referral process, both programs evaluate the individuals to ensure they meet the necessary criteria set by the New York State Department of Health. This evaluation ensures that applications fulfill their HCBS waiver and Medicaid eligibility guidelines before being approved for the waiver programs.
Throughout these processes, a coordination team assesses the needs of individuals to provide support under both programs. In this specific criterion, individuals can access the services to understand their vitality for their well-being and independence. This way, these programs contribute to empowering lives and promoting community living for individuals in New York.
Both the NHTD and the TBI waiver programs are wonderful New York State initiatives for their residents’ well-being and have somewhat similar services. But both programs target different people and have different eligibility criteria. So, before making the final decision of which program to choose, make sure to check the eligibility criteria and services to make an appropriate decision for you or your loved ones.
If you need any help with your application or have a query related to the NHTD program, contact us online or call us to get a consultation. Speak with our home care services coordinator to get a reliable care provider for your loved one, to ensure they get the best quality of care and companionship to live a peaceful, happy life. If you want to know more about adult day care services, HouseCalls Home Care offers excellent services for your aging loved ones. Feel free to call HouseCalls Home Care at 718-922-9200 if you or a loved one requires compassionate and competent in-home care services. You can also send an email to us at info@HouseCallshc.org for more information. Our goal is to help you find the best support for your needs.
