In recent years, technology has played an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the way care and support services are delivered, both nationally and within Ohio. This shift has been particularly significant for individuals with developmental disabilities, as innovative solutions continue to enhance their access to personalized support.
One of the most impactful advancements in this space is the emergence of remote support services. By leveraging advanced internet and video technologies, these services offer a transformative approach to caregiving—one that fosters greater independence while ensuring safety and security. As the landscape of care continues to evolve, remote support is redefining how individuals receive assistance that is empowering.
Remote support is a transition from the traditional model of support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Remote support services is a new approach to support. The delivery of support through the use of new technologies is really a discussion about the evolution of traditional caregiving.
Typically, caregiving services involve scheduling staff to be present when someone is home, ensuring they receive the necessary support. This includes assistance with medication, community access, hygiene and activities of daily living (ADLs). Staff are also there for emergencies and general support when needed.
However, remote support services are based on a technology-first model that redefines how agencies and other human service organizations provide support to people with developmental disabilities. It fundamentally shifts the way we think about caregiving.
The Need for Change:
To understand why this shift is necessary, let’s look at some data. Although the information is from 2021, it highlights an ongoing trend: an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Meanwhile, demographic shifts in the U.S. reveal a declining caregiver workforce. One concerning trend is the decreasing number of young people entering the workforce.
The population of individuals aged 20 to 24 is smaller than that of 25- to 29-year-olds, and this pattern continues down the age brackets. There are fewer 10-year-olds than 15-year-olds and fewer babies than 5-year-olds. This is not just a challenge for our field but for all industries that rely on human labor.
According to data from the Ohio Department of Development Disabilities (DODD), as of July 31, 2022, there were 1,476 individuals using remote support as part of their residential services through a Medicaid waiver. This is a fairly small number when compared to the fact that Ohio’s DD system supports over 95,000 people with developmental disabilities.
In addition, over 41,000 people are enrolled in a Medicaid waiver while over 5,000 in intermediate care facilities (ICF). The state of Ohio is actively pushing to increase the utilization of remote support services and technology. There are a large number of people who would benefit from the use of assistive and remote technologies.
While the demand for services and workforce needs continue to grow, the number of qualified staff available to provide that support is shrinking. The staffing crisis is not a temporary hurdle, it is a structural issue that will only worsen over the next decade.
This problem is not easily solved by having better recruitment strategies and DSP pay. These things do help, but the problem is more complex. In the state of Ohio, and across the United States, there are simply not enough direct support professionals (DSPs) to fill these roles. While we should continue to recruit effectively and offer competitive pay, this larger systemic challenge needs to be addressed.
A Growing Demand for Support:
The need for support services is increasing for multiple reasons. Today, one in ten U.S. children has been diagnosed with a developmental disability. This means a significant number of individuals will require long-term support in the future.
Additionally, both people with disabilities are living longer than in previous decades. This increase in longevity extends beyond the developmental disability community. Across the United States there is a greater demand for long-term care, including assisted living, home healthcare, skilled nursing and end-of-life care.
Historically, people with disabilities relied on provider agencies, parents, guardians or siblings for support. Many families hoped their loved one with a disability would pass away before them, avoiding the challenge of long-term care planning. However, this is no longer the reality. As life expectancy increases, so does the need for sustainable, long-term support solutions for individuals.
The Future of Caregiving:
This challenge is compounded by the fact that caregiving is a specialized field. Not everyone is able or willing to provide the level of support that is needed for this population of people. The demand for qualified direct support professionals and similar caregivers is growing across all healthcare sectors, including aging populations and disability services. As a result, competition for qualified caregivers is high and will only continue to intensify.
This is why it is critical to rethink how we deliver services. RMS has already seen these changes unfold over the years and has adapted. Many in the field remember when large state institutions were the norm. The industry has since moved to a model that emphasizes in-person, one-on-one support. Now, we must take the next step: integrating technology to enhance and sustain our services.
RMS of Ohio’s Remote Supports represent a forward-thinking approach to caregiving. By leveraging technology-enabled supports, we can ensure people receive the care they need despite workforce shortages. Remote support blends very well with other support options such as adult day array services.
The goal is not just to maintain service quality but to improve it. This means offering greater independence and empowerment for individuals, while addressing the challenges of a shrinking workforce. Now is the time for change. By adopting new models of care, we can ensure a sustainable future for support services.
About Us:
At Team RMS, our programs combine personal choice and community integration, while ensuring professional oversight, family involvement and stability. Our services and programs are provided in a wide variety of community settings. We offer the individuals that we serve experienced clinical, medical, behavioral and personal supportive services.
Team RMS — Improving Lives Through Quality Services
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