CAP/DA
CAP/DA stands for Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults. CAP/DA is an alternative to nursing home care for adults who
- are 18 and over
- live in Wake County
- require nursing home level care
- are at risk of nursing home placement if they don't get community-based care
- meet strict financial eligibility criteria
CAP/DA is an extension of Medicaid, and as such is intended for individuals who have very limited financial resources. Eligibility for CAP/DA differs from regular Medicaid in several important ways, however. Most significantly, CAP/DA eligibility is determined by the income and assets of the client only (not the spouse or other family members).
For those who qualify, CAP/DA provides extensive home and community-based services, which may include some services not covered by regular Medicaid, such as
- adult day programs
- more extensive home care (but not 24-hour care)
- supplies such as incontinence products and nutritional supplements
To apply for or make a referral to CAP/DA, the client, family member, or professional (often a social worker or physical therapist) should call Resources for Seniors (919-872-7933) and ask for the Information Department, or complete our online Speed Referral form. Information required to complete the application includes the client's Medicaid number (if already on Medicaid), Social Security number, monthly income, primary physician's name and phone number, and client's diagnosis, as well as information about their needs for assistance.
Once this information has been provided, the client is placed on the CAP/DA waiting list. At the present time (June 2011), the program is under a freeze due to budget cuts. This means that we cannot add new clients until former clients stop using the service. As a result, the wait may be as long as 18-24 months or possibly longer. The waiting list is first-come, first-served. No exceptions are made based on the severity of need. The only possible exception is when the client has already been residing in a nursing home for at least 3 continuous months and wants to return to a community setting; such clients may be given higher priority based on a different funding source.
Initially, the application is reviewed for financial eligibility. A physician must also complete paperwork indicating that the client is at a nursing home level of care. Then, if the client qualifies financially, care needs are evaluated through a home visit. A physician must also complete paperwork indicating that the client is at a nursing home level of care. If the client's level of need is deemed appropriate for CAP/DA services, the client enters the program. A case manager is assigned to assist the client in getting the services they need and monitoring the care that is provided as needs change.