The Home Services Program (HSP) offers individuals with disabilities, who are at risk of premature or unnecessary institutionalization, the alternative of in-home assistance where home care does not exceed the cost of a health care facility. HSP provides options that address needs and preferences which allow the individual to enhance their abilities and lead a more satisfying life while preserving their dignity and that of their family. For a list of available services HSP offers, please visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website. In order to be eligible to receive assistance through HSP, an individual must:

Be age 59 or younger, unless applying for the AIDS or Brain Injury Waiver     Have a severe disability lasting as least 12 months or the duration of life     Be at imminent risk of health care facility placement (such as a nursing home)     If single, have less than $17,500 in non-exempt assets or if married, have less than $35,000 in non-exempt assets     Apply for Medicaid and cooperate with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services     Be a resident of Illinois and U.S. citizen or legal resident     Have a physician’s approval of the initial plan of care     Score a minimum of 29 points on the Determination of Need Assessment

One service that allows individuals to remain in their home and live independently is the Personal Assistant Program. A Personal Assistant (PA) is an individual who assists people with disabilities with activities of daily living that a person with a disability cannot do themselves. Such activities of daily living may include:

Dressing     Grooming     Bathing     Toileting     Transfers     Meal preparation     Health care   Laundry     Telephoning     Housework     Supervision     Money management     Shopping     Feeding

RAMP assists people with disabilities to recruit, hire, train and maintain a personal assistant. For more information about Personal Assistant Services please contact RAMP.