Ages 62+
OVERVIEW:
HARC’s mission is to enable individuals with disabilities and others in our community to achieve full potential and enriched lives. HARC provides a wide range of quality support services and activities for adults with developmental, physical and psychiatric disabilities such as services coordination, employment services, clinical services, and transportation, among many others. Participants and their families are encouraged and supported in the expression of their individual rights and preferred choices. HARC provides consultation to ensure that each service package is appropriately designed to meet the personal needs and preferences of the individual. Service packages may include one or more of the services offered by HARC. All HARC programs are provided at the highest quality and comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and laws. Programs and services available include:
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ACCESSING SERVICES
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SERVICES COORDINATION
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RESPITE PROGRAMS
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DAY HABILITATION PROGRAMS
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CLINICAL SERVICES
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FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
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SPIRITUALITY
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HARC CHORUS
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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
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RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
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PERSON CENTERED PLANNING
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SELF-ADVOCACY
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ETHICS HELPLINE
ACCESSING SERVICES:
Outreach Development Coordination
If individuals are interested in receiving any service(s) with HARC or in investigating the services offered, they should contact the Outreach Development Coordinator at (315) 574-7000. The Coordinator can help individuals or families substantiate developmental disabilities. In addition, the Coordinator can assist with Social Security applications, assistance with applying for other government programs such as food stamps and VESID (Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) [link www.vesid.nysed.gov], and/or provide a direction of where to begin with services. If individuals are already determined to be eligible, but wish to access some of the HARC services listed on this site for themselves or family members, or if they are Service Coordinators from a different agency—the Outreach Development Coordinator can assist in applying for or accessing programs. This also includes referral to HARC’s Residential Services.
SERVICES COORDINATION:
Medicaid Services Coordination
Medicaid Service Coordinators work with individuals, families and caretakers to find the agency and community resources an individual needs to be as independent as possible. In order to qualify for Medicaid Service Coordination, a person must have a certain type of Medicaid coverage and be OMRDD (New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) [link www.omr.state.ny.us] services eligible. The Service Coordinator visits the individual at least once per month in order to monitor services he or she is currently receiving and to explore new services the individual may desire. Typical areas a Service Coordinator assists with, but are not limited to, include Social Security acquisition, Medicaid and food stamp obtainment and guidance, housing services, recreational and respite services, medical and legal advocacy, school advocacy, day program options, residential and day habilitation services, and employment services. An individual is required to have a Medicaid Service Coordinator in order to be enrolled in an OMRDD Medicaid Waiver Program. Service Coordination offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Service Access Assistance
Service Access Assistance is limited service coordination for those who do not currently qualify for Medicaid. A Service Access Assistance Coordinator works with a person and/or their family to help them become eligible for Medicaid Service Coordination, and other OMRDD services including an HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver through the obtainment of Medicaid. If Medicaid obtainment is not a realistic goal, a Service Access Assistance Coordinator typically assists in the following areas: medical and legal advocacy, school advocacy, and respite options. Service Coordination offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Services Coordination
Department of Health (DOH) TBI Waiver Program Service Coordinators work with qualifying individuals with traumatic brain injuries to find the agency and community resources a person needs to be as independent as possible. In order to qualify for TBI Service Coordination a person must have a certain type of Medicaid coverage and meet certain medical qualifiers. The Service Coordinator visits the individual at least once per month in order to monitor services the person is currently receiving and to explore new services. Typical areas a Service Coordinator assists in are, but not limited to: Social Security acquisition, Medicaid and food stamp obtainment and guidance, housing services, recreational and respite services, medical and legal advocacy, day program options, independent life skills trainer services, and employment services. A consumer is required to have a TBI Service Coordinator in order to be enrolled in a DOH TBI Medicaid Waiver Program. Service Coordination offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
RESPITE:
Adult Community Respite – Group
Adult Community Respite is available seven days a week and is tailored to give family members personal time away from care giving. Open to any person living with another individual (family member, spouse, sibling, friend, etc.). The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Group activities can include: bowling, dining out, dances, overnight trips, time at the RAC (Recreation Activities Center), movies, art classes, cooking, ceramics, aerobics, Tai Chi, etc. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.
Cultural Awareness Group
This program involves individuals who are enrolled in Adult Community Respite and Special Needs Respite. Several group outings are planned a year to allow individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the company of their peers at cultural and sporting events in the community. Day and overnight trips have included Broadway plays in New York City, dinner theaters, museums, Harlem Globetrotters, and more. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.
Special Needs Adult Respite – One-on-one
Special Needs Adult Respite is available seven days a week and is tailored to give family members personal time away from care giving. The program is available for adults with challenging behaviors and/or with physical limitations. Open to any person living with another individual (family member, spouse, sibling, friend, etc.). The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Activities are designed for each individual and can include: bowling, dining out, movies, and art classes, etc.
Adult In-Home Respite – One-on-one
Adult Community Respite is available seven days a week and is tailored to give family members personal time away from care giving. The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled, diagnosed with developmental disabilities, and live with another individual (family member, spouse, sibling, friend, etc.). Activities are designed as needed for the individual.
Recreational Activities Center (RAC)
HARC’s Recreation Center is open six days a week: Monday through Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and closed Sundays (and HARC’s holiday schedule). Individuals utilizing RAC must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and be diagnosed with developmental disabilities. RAC offers individuals opportunities to participate in classes and recreational activities of their own choosing and to enjoy the company of their peers. Located in an easily accessible downtown location at 320 North Prospect Street in Herkimer, RAC boasts a big screen television and cozy seating in a large social area, kitchen facilities, art and music rooms, a spacious game room complete with pool table, air hockey, foosball and ping pong tables, and other games. A sampling of planned activities includes photography and exercise classes, baking and cooking, social clubs, nature walks, sports appreciation days, art and photography classes, karaoke and music classes, among other group experiences. Additionally, groups participate in community outings. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.
Drop-In Center at HARC’s Recreational Activities Center (RAC)
This program is available to individuals who are enrolled in Adult Community Respite and Special Needs Respite. Available to parents and caregivers to provide oversight and organized activities after school and during parent work hours: Monday to Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Adults can be picked up from their specific program or work. Parents or caregivers can pick them up or they can be delivered home by HARC staff.
William H. Privett Respitality Center – Residential Services
Respite is available to individuals with a developmental disability, from infants to seniors, enrolled in the HCBS waiver program. The individuals must live at home with a family member or with a caregiver. Family Care Home providers may also access the William H. Privett Respitality Center. Families pre-arrange respite services to help provide them with personal time away from caring for their loved ones—whether it is a few hours, or all weekend. The Respitality Center, located in Little Falls, NY, is open from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. The Center also operates a few weeks during the year to accommodate the vacation and school-break needs of families with school-age children and teens.
Hourly Respite – Residential Services
Service Access Assistance is limited service coordination for those who do not currently qualify for Medicaid. A Service Access Assistance Coordinator works with a person and/or their family to help them become eligible for Medicaid Service Coordination, and other OMRDD services including an HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver through the obtainment of Medicaid. If Medicaid obtainment is not a realistic goal, a Service Access Assistance Coordinator typically assists in the following areas: medical and legal advocacy, school advocacy, and respite options. Service Coordination offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
HABILITATION PROGRAMS:
Day Habilitation - Community
Day Habilitation is available seven days a week. The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and be diagnosed with developmental disabilities. All activities are goal-directed and based on the needs of the individual. To address and achieve these goals to help the individual become independent within the community, HARC utilizes community establishments for activities such as banks, retail stores, restaurants, volunteer sites, etc. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.
Day Habilitation - Classroom
The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. All activities are goal-directed and based on the needs of the individual. To address and achieve these goals to help the individual become independent, HARC utilizes community establishments and classroom settings for activities. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.
Day Habilitation – Senior Center
The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. The individual should be 62 years of age or older. All activities are goal-directed and based on the needs of the individual. To address and achieve these goals to help the individual become independent, HARC utilizes community establishments and classroom settings for activities such as. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Independent Living Skills Training (ILST)
The ILST provider conducts a comprehensive functional assessment of the HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled participant to identify strengths and weaknesses in performing activities of daily living and his/her established goals. HARC staff works on areas such as self care, medication management, task completion, communications and interpersonal skills, socialization, sensory/motor skills, mobility, community transportation skills, money management and household maintenance skills, etc. These services are individually designed to improve the ability of the participant to live as independently as possible in the community. Services are provided on an individual basis in the participant’s home or in the community.
HARC Volunteer Corp - Community
Individuals may volunteer in the community through HARC’s Volunteer Corp. The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled, and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Individuals volunteer at various sites, Monday through Friday, to donate their time and to feel a part of their community. Several current sites include, among others: Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, American Red Cross – Mohawk Valley Chapter, the National Center for Missing Children, and the HALO Cat House. Activities can include socialization activities, folding and mailing, cleaning, filing, etc. Two-way transportation provided to and from the volunteer sites.
Residential In-home Habilitation
Residential Habilitation is available seven days a week. The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. All activities are goal-directed and based on individual needs. The majority of time is spent in home on daily living and hygiene skills to help individuals to become independent within their home environments. Activities can include cooking, parenting education, budget, and housekeeping, among others. Additionally, activities can include outings to community establishments such as the bank, grocery store, laundry mat, etc.
CLINICAL SERVICES:
Therapy Services
Therapy services are provided as part of the Day Habilitation, Bridges to Success, and prevocational services, and include: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Counseling, and Psychological services. These services are utilized to enhance the habilitation skills and potential work skills of individuals with developmental disabilities. The frequency of services depends on the findings and recommendations of the initial evaluations of the specific therapist. HARC, together with appropriate vendors, evaluates the need for adaptive equipment essential to an individual’s need and independence. The adaptive equipment may include augmentative devices, customized wheelchairs, and/or walkers.
Psychiatry Services
Psychiatry Services are provided by a Psychiatrist for those having a developmental disability and determined to be eligible for OMRDD (New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) services. This service is funded by Assistive Supports and is provided every two weeks by referral and appointment only. There are no fees or Medicaid eligibility requirements.
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES:
Guardianship Assistance
Guardianship assistance is provided to any family member who requires assistance in obtaining Guardianship for individuals with developmental disabilities over or approaching their 18th birthday. Under this program it is required that the person needs Guardianship due to their disability and that that disability interferes with their ability to make decisions regarding medical decisions or decisions of daily life. The staff at HARC will assist in providing step-by-step directions right up to the presentation to the appropriate courts.
Corporate Guardianship
Corporate Guardianship assistance is provided to individuals with developmental disabilities, age 18 and over, who are unable to make medical and life decisions for themselves, and who have no family members or caretakers who are able or willing to fulfill the role of legal guardian. The Corporate Guardianship Committee is comprised of eleven voting members and a staff of coordinators. The group works together to provide services oversight and the voice of a caring family in advocating the best interest of those individuals they serve. The committee insures participants have holiday gifts and birthday celebrations, and oversees treatment, care meetings and health decisions, along with individual needs and desires for programming, recreation, and appropriate places to live.
Counseling
Counseling Service is provided by a Licensed Certified Social Worker or a master’s degree level Counselor. It is available to all families and requires that one family member have a developmental disability. Counseling is provided to the individual with the disability or the family of that individual. There is no cost for this service and it is available five days a week. The unique feature of this counseling is that it is or can be provided in a home, or at a local community room such as in the local library. In this way transportation does not have to interfere with access to this service.
Autism Training
Workshops are provided four times a year, and are open to parents and professionals to assist with learning a technique or modality that will be useful in meeting the needs of those individuals with Autism, Aspergers or other pervasive developmental disabilities. HARC invites noted speakers and trainers to lead these trainings which are free and open to the public. Trainings are announced through e-mail, postal mail, and articles in local newspapers. To get on HARC’s e-mail list for these mailings, simply send an e-mail to info@herkimerarc.org to be added to the list.
SPIRITUALITY:
This program allows individuals opportunities to participate in nondenominational spiritual retreats, Coffeehouses, services, and bible study groups. These opportunities are offered throughout the year to any individual with a developmental disability in various locations within the community as well HARC sites. This service is often enhanced through the commitment and planning of volunteers from the community and individuals from community houses of worship. Volunteers and participants are always welcome.
HARC CHORUS:
The HARC Chorus invites anyone who loves to sing to join. The group is comprised of volunteers and singers from HARC programs and other area agencies. The Chorus practices the first and third Mondays of each month, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at HARC Recreation Center. The group has delighted audiences at local nursing homes, churches, and at area events.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:
Career Connections, a division of HARC, assists people with disabilities and others in the community, who are seeking employment to achieve meaningful work based on each person's needs, desires, and abilities. Click here - Career Connections - to learn how HARC helps individuals to find jobs in the community or at Herkimer Industries, a vocational work center.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES:
The mission of Residential Services is to offer each person with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in a safe and loving home in the community. HARC staff works to foster self-esteem and enables each individual to achieve full potential, to participate in the community, and to enjoy an enriched life. HARC Residential Services currently operates 21 OMRDD certified Supervised and Supportive Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs), located throughout the scenic Mohawk Valley, Herkimer County, in Central New York. HARC also offers OMRDD certified Freestanding Respite Services at the William H. Privett Respitality Center, and an OMRDD certified Family Care Program. Hourly respite services within a supervised Individualize Residential Alternative (IRA) are also available.
The daily operations of the residences are overseen by administrators and residence managers. An intensive ongoing training program ensures the best quality staff possible serving residents. Professional staff includes: Direct Support Professionals, Development Disabilities Specialists, RNs, and LPNs—all providing support and leadership in developing consumer support and care, behavioral and social interaction skills, forming community networks, and overseeing healthcare and medical appointments, respectively.
Staffing requirements for each residence is developed based on the needs of the persons living there. Residential Services staffing is provided 24 hours, seven day a week, 365 days a year. In all Residential programs, individuals work on personally chosen activities intended to enhance or maintain independent living skills, money management skills, and self care abilities. Integration into the community and social acceptance is promoted through activities such as shopping, recreation, and memberships in organizations such as the church community. Having fun and enjoying life is a primary goal.
Supervised IRAs
HARC’s Residential Services Homes provide a family-like setting for persons, age 18 and older, who need the support of staff 24 hours and personal care assistance for bathing, eating, dressing, etc. HARC operates 17 such homes, varying in size from three to six persons per residence.
Supportive IRAs
Residents, age 18 and older, maintain their own apartments, competitive jobs, and work with staff two to three times per week paying bills, monitoring medications, planning for upcoming events, and developing independent living skills in their own home. Residents have 24-hour emergency staff support.
William H. Privett Respitality Center – Residential Services
Respite is available to individuals with a developmental disability, from infants to seniors, enrolled in the HCBS waiver program. The individuals must live at home with a family member or with a caregiver. Family Care Home providers may also access the William H. Privett Respitality Center. Families pre-arrange respite services to help provide them with personal time away from caring for their loved ones—whether it is a few hours, or all weekend. The Respitality Center, located in Little Falls, NY, is open from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening with additional hours scheduled upon request. The Center also operates a few weeks during the year to accommodate the vacation and school-break needs of families with school-age children and teens.
Hourly Respite – Residential Services
Respite is available to individuals with developmental disabilities, who are enrolled in HARC programs, and who live at home with family. The purpose of the service is to provide temporary daily care and/or overnight services for an individual on behalf of their primary caregiver. Families might need the services for a death in the immediate family; serious illness or injury to the caregiver or immediate family; home becomes uninhabitable; or other disruptions in the present living situation that warrants need for temporary shelter. Individuals are screened for placement to ensure that their needs can be met. Hourly Respite is not designed to serve individuals who require intensive, behavioral supports or treatment.
Family Care
Family Care opportunities are available for individuals, ages 18 and older, who prefer one on one, small family-like settings. Individuals and families in the community become OMRDD certified to provide care to individuals in their own homes. This setting offers residents the most family-like setting available. Family Care providers provide assistance with self-care, independent living skills, and other individually chosen activities.
HARC Residential Service staff is constantly searching for better ways to serve residents. A Quality Assurance program monitors day to day services, assesses compliance with regulations, and measures consumer satisfaction. For more information regarding the services above, contact HARC’s Outreach Development Coordinator at (315) 574-7000.
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING:
HARC’s Compliance and Quality Management department offers opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in a comprehensive, enhanced Person Centered Planning (PCP) session. The process involves group sessions with members of the Compliance and Quality Management department meeting with individuals, their staff, and family members and/or caregivers who support them. The tools enable each individual and their family to envision individualized possibilities for their future; determine supports and resources for each person; and enrich lives with unprecedented levels of customer satisfaction. The tools that assist with Personal Centered Planning include: PATH (Planning Alternatives Tomorrows with Hope), MAPS (McGill Action Plan System), Essential Lifestyle Planning, Personal Outcome Measures, Framework for Planning, and Importance Satisfaction Mapping.
SELF-ADVOCACY:
HARC supports an organized Self-Advocacy Group, whose representatives contribute to serve as a “voice” for people with disabilities. Accomplishments include sharing ideas and concerns with HARC administration and the community, communicating with local, state and national government representatives, and attending state and national conferences. The group also hosts fund raisers throughout the year. Additionally, Self-Advocacy classes are presented within several HARC programs, which help to develop and promote self and group independence. Individuals are encouraged to speak out on issues and to promote equal rights.
ETHICS HELPLINE:
The Compliance and Quality Management Director oversees HARC’s Ethics Helpline, a confidential secure voice mail system that is committed to timely identification and resolution of all issues that may adversely affect consumers, staff, and/or HARC. People can call anonymously. Telephone calls to the Ethics Helpline might include: known episode of misconduct or violation of agency procedures and/or questions regarding documentation or the implementation of agency policy. To call the Ethics Helpline, dial (315) 866-7946.
