First Family in North Carolina to Get SimplyHome Technology Funded Through the Innovations Waiver
Asheville, NC (PRWEB) September 10, 2013 -- The Dankner family of Carrboro, NC is the first family to receive SimplyHome technology funded through the Innovations Waiver for their daughter, Natalie Dankner who is a 26-year-old women living with autism and using SimplyHome technology to remain as safe and independent as possible.
“My husband travels, and this system has been a godsend in terms of having more of a normal life,” says Lisa Dankner, Natalie’s mother.
The Dankners are leading the way for other people in the state to be able to experience the benefits of using SimplyHome technology that is funded through the Innovations Waiver. The Waiver is a Home and Community Based Waiver program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or closely related conditions, regardless of age.
The Innovations Waiver, Section 1915(c), defines a set of waivers called Home and Community-Based Services. This section provides the Secretary the authority to waive Medicaid provisions in order to allow long-term institutional care services to be delivered in community settings.
After Natalie was approved for the Innovations Waiver, Natalie’s case manager submitted a system recommendation to the state for approval for the assistive technology. The challenge is often giving a vision to funders as to how sensor tools can create improved safety and independence. Lisa has been an amazing advocate for her daughter and did not stop fighting when times got tough.
The system was installed in the Dankner’s home in January of 2012. They are using a combination of door/window sensors, water sensors, smoke sensors and a pendant to control when the system is on and off to monitor Natalie’s safety when it comes to some of her behaviors.
“It’s our day that is different,” says Lisa.
Some of Natalie’s behaviors that are of concern are leaving the home without anyone knowing, lighting things on fire using the kitchen stove, and flooding the home. Natalie has had a history of clogging the toilets. Lisa says they have spent thousands in repairs already and are now able get a notification before it is too late.
“Sleeping at night was difficult because Natalie gets up at all times of the day and night. With the SimplyHome System, I feel confident, with the settings we have, she wouldn’t be out the door long before we would be woken. It actually allows me to have normal sleep,” says Lisa.
Natalie is now a productive member of the community - working, volunteering, shopping, going to church and living as every human being should, with dignity and independence.
Natalie is passionate about being an independent young woman. Lisa says her daughter's autism has been "a life long learning process." She is committed to finding what solutions give Natalie maximum independence.
About SimplyHome
SimplyHome designs and installs wireless technology products and related care-focused services. The company is committed to promoting affordable and dignified solutions for independent living – specifically to aging and disabled populations nationwide. SimplyHome is known for its highly-customizable systems that are tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs.
SimplyHome products and services range from voice-activated environmental controls (as shown recently on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), Personal Emergency Response Systems, GPS watches, motion sensors, and stove monitors to Virtual Care Management® – SimplyHome’s model for client care. SimplyHome is a 2012 Edison Award winner for “Best New Product.”
For more information, visit: http://www.simply-home.com.
Kristen Suttles, SimplyHome, http://www.simply-home.com, +1 (877) 684-3581, [email protected]
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