An estimated 1 million U.S. households include an adult with I/DD who lives with and is supported by an aging caregiver, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said on June 2, 2023, as it released four resources for state Medicaid and disability agencies. CMS said that number is growing.
What the resources covered
The documents covered how states can anticipate the needs of these families, how to use person-centered planning across a person's lifespan, policies that support aging caregivers, and examples from states. CMS highlighted building partnerships across agencies, offering navigation help and planning for the future.
Disability Scoop reported that the documents pointed to data states could use to forecast demand, including Social Security's Disabled Adult Child program. It also reported CMS figures showing that the number of people receiving Medicaid home and community-based services while living with family rose 143% between 1998 and 2018, and that only 21% of an estimated 7.43 million people with I/DD were known to their state I/DD agency.
Why this mattered for providers and DSPs
When a parent can no longer provide support, the change often comes suddenly. Provider agencies and supports coordinators who plan ahead with families can help avoid emergency placements. For DSPs, that planning can mean a smoother transition for the person they support.