Remote Support
Remote support is an emerging service model that combines technology and direct care to help support people with developmental disabilities living independently.
Using two-way communication in real time, such as home-based sensors, cameras and other technologies, remote support allows an off-site caregiver to monitor and respond to the safety and needs of people with developmental disabilities living in the community.
Live the Life You Want with Supportive Technology
Supportive technology allows someone who wants more independence to live the life they want. Remote support embraces people with developmental disabilities by providing technology services that can support them, such as a sensor that turns off a faucet left on, a medication monitoring system or a phone application that provides step-by-step assistance with recipes.
Virtual Home Walk-Through
The type of supportive technology each person uses will vary, depending on the kind of remote support they need. Click the image to interact with each room and see the technology available.
What are the Benefits of Remote Support?
When hands-on care is not required, remote support makes it possible for direct care staff to provide care from a remote location, supporting a person’s need for greater independence while reducing costs. Watch the videos to learn more about how remote support can benefit you or your loved ones.
How Much Does Remote Support Cost?
Remote support is a Medicaid service (OAC 5123:2-9-35). Medicaid waivers may cover the cost and maintenance of equipment that is used for remote support service delivery.
How to Begin Using Remote Support
Have a conversation to identify why a person with a developmental disability uses direct care staff and if their health and safety needs can be met remotely.
Have a team meeting where the person accessing services, their providers and service and support administrator can talk about which needs might be met remotely, for what hours and how backup support will be provided.
If the person chooses remote support, the provider who will act as a backup to those supports will be the one to choose the vendor for the technology and equipment needed. If the backup support is unpaid, natural supports like family or neighbors, the person or their guardian will choose the vendor.
The service and support administrator works with the team to amend the individual service plan (ISP) to include detailed protocols for the new remote support. The ISP should also include backup support contact information and what to do if the person wants to turn off remote support equipment