New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives in their homes and communities. Designed for those age 3 and older, this waiver delivers activity-focused supports that promote personal growth, community inclusion, and meaningful daily routines, rather than round-the-clock custodial care. NOW services are highly individualized and may include Individual and Family Support (day, night, or shared, including self-directed options), Center-Based Respite, Supported Living, Substitute Family Care, Day Habilitation and Transportation, Community Integration and Development, Environmental Adaptations, and access to Specialized Medical Equipment. Additional supports include Supported Employment, Prevocational Services, Skilled Nursing, Personal Emergency Response Systems, and Housing Stabilization or Transition assistance. To qualify, individuals must meet Louisiana Medicaid eligibility, the state’s definition of developmental disability (with onset before age 22), and specific level-of-care criteria. Each participant’s needs are carefully assessed to tailor the most appropriate mix of services, ensuring that resources are used effectively to maximize independence and well-being. At L&D Community Care, we partner with individuals and families to navigate the waiver application process and ongoing care planning. Our mission is to deliver compassionate, knowledgeable support that honors each person’s dignity, fosters trust, and helps them thrive within the community they call home.
Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
The Residential Options Waiver (ROW) offers home- and community-based services for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities, helping them live with greater independence and dignity. Instead of one-size-fits-all care, ROW provides personalized support based on each participant’s assessed needs and goals, while carefully managing resources to serve as many people as possible. Through ROW, eligible individuals can access a broad array of services that encourage community integration and daily living support. These may include Support Coordination, Community Living Supports, Host Home or Companion Care services, Shared Living, Adult Day Health Care, out-of-home Respite, and Personal Emergency Response Systems. Additional services like environmental modifications, assistive technology, nursing, dental care, transportation, employment support, and day habilitation help participants build meaningful routines and connections in their communities. Eligibility is determined by meeting Louisiana Medicaid requirements, the state’s definition of developmental disability (which must have manifested before age 22), and specific level-of-care criteria. Individual budgets are tailored through assessment to ensure that supports align with needs, while promoting autonomy and respect for each person’s choices. At L & D Community Care, we’re committed to guiding families through the ROW application and planning process. Our team partners with clients, their families, and Louisiana’s Human Services Districts/Authorities to ensure access to the most appropriate services, fostering a supportive environment where all individuals can thrive in the place they call home.
Supports Waiver (SW)
The Supports Waiver offers vital services designed to help adults with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible in their homes and communities. Intended for individuals aged 18 and older, this waiver focuses on flexible, person-centered support without providing 24-hour custodial care. Participants can receive a wide range of services tailored to their unique goals and needs. These include Support Coordination, Supported Employment (individual or group), Day Habilitation, Prevocational and Habilitation Services, and Respite Care (either in-home or at a center). Permanent Supportive Housing Stabilization and Transition services are also available, along with Personal Emergency Response Systems to help ensure safety and peace of mind. To qualify, individuals must meet Louisiana Medicaid eligibility, the state’s definition of a developmental disability (with onset before age 22), and specific level-of-care criteria. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive assessment and placement on the state’s Request for Services Registry (RFSR), which prioritizes those with the most urgent needs for available waiver opportunities. At L & D Community Care, we’re committed to guiding individuals and families through every step of the process, from initial eligibility to ongoing support planning. Our team emphasizes compassion, respect, and partnership as we help you access the resources you need to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in the community you call home.
Children’s Choice Waiver
The Children’s Choice Waiver provides family-centered, in-home and community-based services for eligible children and youth under age 21 with developmental disabilities. This Medicaid waiver program is designed to help families keep their children at home rather than seeking institutional care, while ensuring access to the individualized supports that help them grow, learn, and thrive. Services available through the Children’s Choice Waiver include Support Coordination, Family Support, Center-Based Respite, Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (home modifications), Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies, and Family Training. Children may also receive Personal Emergency Response Systems and other tailored supports that address their unique medical and developmental needs. These flexible services are designed to strengthen families, promote inclusion, and enhance quality of life. Eligibility is based on Louisiana Medicaid requirements, the state’s definition of developmental disability (with onset before age 22), and an assessment confirming the child’s need for an Intermediate Care Facility–Intellectual Disability (ICF-ID) level of care. Services are individually planned, with each family working closely with coordinators to design the right mix of supports that match their child’s goals, needs, and daily routines. At L & D Community Care, we are dedicated to guiding families through the entire Children’s Choice process, from understanding eligibility to building a personalized care plan. Our mission is to support children and their families with compassion, respect, and reliable care, helping every child reach their fullest potential while remaining safely at home with the people who love them most.
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