Q: How do I apply for services?
To understand your unique needs, we always start by having a conversation. This allows us to learn what you need and expect from us. Together, we develop a service plan that works for you. It’s all about choice.
Q: How do I know if I'm eligible for services?
To be eligible for services, you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age for employment services
- Have behavior which is not dangerous to self or others
- Have medical needs within Vodec’s scope of service
- Have transportation needs within Vodec’s capability to provide
- Have funding in place prior to service provision
Q: Do you need state funding for Vodec services?
No, however, we are a fee-based service provider. If you are not qualified for Medicaid but need services, contact Daryn Richardson to talk about the range of options that may help you get access to the services you need. Don’t let funding fears keep you from taking the first step.
Q: Who decides what programs or services I receive?
You do. We intimately understand the concept of choice for all we serve. Vodec was created by parents of people with disabilities who wanted the best options for their family members. Over the years, we have had many new families join the Vodec family. All of them were once where you are now. Because of those founding families, we are confident we can help.
Q: How do I get a case manager/service coordinator?
In Iowa, contact the Department of Health and Human Services. In Nebraska, contact the local Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination office.
Q: Do I have to pay anything out of pocket?
Most services are State-funded, but private pay is an option. In Iowa, there is no share of cost. In Nebraska, there may be a share of cost.
Q: What is an MCO?
MCO stands for Managed Care Organization. The State partners with MCOs to manage the Medicaid programs. MCOs are essentially large insurance companies.
Q: How do I apply for Medicaid?
Contact the local Department of Health and Human Services office for assistance in applying.
Q: Who do I call for a tour?
Contact any Vodec location or vodec.org and let us know what you are interested in. We will connect you to the correct person.
Q: What is a host home, and how do I apply?
Residential services provided in a single-family home setting in Iowa are called host home services. Host home services are delivered under a subcontract with Vodec and are continuous services. Host home services are formalized training and supports for the acquisition, retention, or improvement in skills related to living in the community. Formalized training and supports are not simply care and support; they are specialized, formalized training and supports. These include adaptive skill development of daily living activities, such as personal grooming and cleanliness, bed making and household chores, eating and the preparation of food, community inclusion, transportation, and the social and leisure skill development necessary to enable the individual to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to his/her needs. Host home services also include personal care and protective oversight as applicable to the individual as well as supervision. Health maintenance activities, such as treatments that are routine, stable, and predictable may be provided by direct support professionals and require nurse or medical practitioner oversight of delegated activities to the extent permitted under applicable state laws. Medication administration must be provided by a nurse or a medication aide. Health maintenance activities, supervision, and assistance with personal needs are provided when identified as a need and documented in the team meetings. Host home services are services provided in a setting where the individual and the host home provider resides, and the host home provider is on-site and immediately available at all times to the individual receiving services, including during the individual’s sleep time. The host home provider must be present and awake during the times the individual is present and awake with the exception of any alone time approved by the individual’s team.
Q: What is shared living, and how do I apply?
Residential services provided in a single-family home setting in Nebraska are called shared living services. The shared living services are delivered under a subcontract with Vodec and are continuous services. The shared living services are formalized training and supports for the acquisition, retention, or improvement in skills related to living in the community. Formalized training and supports are not simply care and support; they are specialized, formalized training and supports. These include adaptive skill development of daily living activities, such as personal grooming and cleanliness, bed making and household chores, eating and the preparation of food, community inclusion, transportation, and the social and leisure skill development necessary to enable the individual to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to his/her needs. Shared living Services also include personal care and protective oversight as applicable to the individual as well as supervision. Health maintenance activities, such as medication administration and treatments that are routine, stable, and predictable may be provided by medication aides and other unlicensed direct support professionals and require nurse or medical practitioner oversight of delegated activities to the extent permitted under applicable state laws. Health maintenance activities, supervision, and assistance with personal needs are provided when identified as a need and documented in the team meetings. The shared living service is services provided in a setting where the individual and the shared living provider resides, and the shared living provider is on-site and immediately available at all times to the individual receiving services, including during the individual’s sleep time. The shared living provider must be present and awake during the times the individual is present and awake.