With waiting lists for many Kansas Medicaid programs, individuals who qualify for the programs still require a certain level of service while they wait as opposed to going into nursing homes or other institutions. The Dream Works, a Kansas City, Kan. based home health and social service organization, is spearheading efforts to organize and provide alternative support programs to those in need. One recent effort was forming a nurturing neighbors program – eligible participants that are in the most critical need of basic support or service so they can remain in the community of their choosing are paired with local community partners who are willing to help them achieve that goal.
Eligible participants are individuals placed on any home and community based-services waiting list in the state of Kansas, or those deemed eligible by The Dream Works.
The community partners are local not-for-profits, volunteer groups, some community service programs and church groups.
All volunteers will be thoroughly screened and be bonded and insured via The Dream Works.
Organizations who would like to volunteer with the nurturing neighbors program should contact Joe Leal or Zach Hodson at (913) 281-8695 or ZHodson@TheDreamWorksInc.com.
The Dream Works will coordinate an introduction, assist with identifying immediate needs, facilitate service delivery, and monitor for quality and a successful outcome.
The types of services offered are light housekeeping, shopping, laundry or yard work, companion services, and meal preparation.
“The Dream Works makes a serious commitment to improving the lives of individuals. Our primary emphasis is on helping the aging and disability communities maintain a lifestyle that makes sense to them, in an environment of their choosing,” said Ed McInnis, The Dream Works president/CEO.
“If we can provide additional support and services to those on the waiting list and avoid them going into nursing homes or institutions, we are keeping our commitment as a company and saving the state of Kansas money, as it’s much more cost effective to keep people in their homes and communities.”
The Dream Works, Inc. The Dream Works is a comprehensive home health and social service agency serving Kansas and Missouri. Their primary purpose is to help individuals in the aging and disability communities maintain a rewarding lifestyle in an environment of their choosing, while reducing the burden on family and friends. The Dream Works is locally owned and operated in the Kansas City metropolitan area and offers residential services, service coordination, specialty services, and medical supplies and equipment with fast, free delivery on most items. They are passionate about giving back to the community. Every dollar spent with The Dream Works helps another person add quality and choice to their life. For more information, visit www.TheDreamWorksinc.com.