Caretech expands DD waiver services into rural Nebraska

Caretech is widening access to Developmental Disabilities Waiver services across rural and underserved Nebraska communities outside Omaha and Lincoln. The expansion aims to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get person-centered support at home and in the community.

Why it matters: - Rural Nebraska families often have fewer provider options, longer wait times, and less access to consistent support close to home. - Caretech’s expansion is aimed at helping Nebraskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more safely and independently outside institutional settings. - The program connects home care with specialized developmental disability services as participants’ needs and goals change.

What happened: - Caretech announced it is expanding Developmental Disabilities Waiver services in rural and underserved Nebraska communities. - The expansion excludes Omaha and Lincoln. - The services are delivered through Nebraska’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services program. - Caretech said the model is built around individualized, person-centered plans based on each participant’s needs, abilities, preferences and personal goals.

The details: - Nebraska’s three primary DD Waiver programs include the Family Support Waiver, the Developmental Disabilities Adult Day Waiver and the Comprehensive Developmental Disabilities Waiver. - The Family Support Waiver serves eligible individuals from birth through age 21 who live in the family home. - The Developmental Disabilities Adult Day Waiver serves eligible adults age 21 and older, with emphasis on independence, community participation and employment. - The Comprehensive Developmental Disabilities Waiver provides residential and day supports for eligible individuals of all ages whose assessed needs require comprehensive services. - Services must be included in a participant’s person-centered plan and authorized through Nebraska’s Division of Developmental Disabilities. - Caretech’s support may include assistance with activities of daily living, independent living and life-skills development, supported family living, community access and social participation, meal preparation, hygiene and household support, health maintenance and medication reminders, one-on-one habilitative support, respite for family caregivers, and residential and supported living services. - Caretech said its support professionals work with participants and families to encourage choice, strengthen daily living skills, build relationships and increase confidence at home and in the community. - The company said its caregiver network and coordinated onboarding process are intended to improve service availability and connect families with trained support professionals. - Caretech says the program combines its home care experience with developmental disability services to provide continuity of support. - Rachel Mitchell, Caretech DD Care Coordinator and Mandt-certified professional, said every person deserves the chance to build a life that reflects their own goals, interests and definition of independence. - Mitchell said Caretech’s role is to listen, provide dependable support and help individuals and families feel confident as they navigate services and daily life.

Between the lines: - The move positions Caretech to compete in a part of the state where provider capacity is often thinner. - The emphasis on person-centered planning signals a service model tied closely to state authorization and individual assessments rather than one-size-fits-all care. - By focusing on rural communities, Caretech is targeting families that may have the most difficulty finding nearby, stable support.

What's next: - Eligible families can learn more on Caretech’s Developmental Disabilities Waiver Services page or contact the company to check service availability in their community. - Caretech can help families understand the provider process, coordinate with state service professionals and develop a care plan after services are authorized. - DD Waiver eligibility and service authorization remain determined by the State of Nebraska. - Caretech continues to operate as a home and community-based care provider for older adults, children and adults with disabilities and their families across Nebraska and surrounding communities.

The bottom line: - Caretech is betting that rural Nebraska wants more local, personalized disability support — and that better access can come from combining home care infrastructure with waiver-based services.

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