Community First Choice: Live Independently with Home Care

Discover how Community First Choice (CFC) empowers individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, and elderly adults to live independently in the comfort of their own homes with love and care. Learn about eligibility, services, and why you should apply today.

What is Community First Choice (CFC)?

"A New Chapter in Life: Live, Love, and Thrive at Home with CFC"

Imagine waking up in the warmth and comfort of your own home, surrounded by the things that matter most to you—your memories, your pets, and the life you've built. Now picture having the support you need to continue doing the things you love, with the people you cherish. That’s what Community First Choice (CFC) offers: the ability to live independently in the place that means the most to you, while receiving the compassionate care you deserve.

CFC is not just another Medicaid program; it’s an opportunity to maintain independence, build meaningful relationships, and continue living life on your own terms. Through CFC, you can stay in your own home, manage your care, and enjoy the freedom to live life with dignity and love.

How Does Community First Choice Work?

"Your Independence, Your Choice: How CFC Puts You in Control"

Here’s how CFC empowers you to live a life full of independence and love, without the limitations of institutional care:

• Self-Directed Care: CFC puts you in control. You have the freedom to choose who provides your care. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a professional caregiver, you can surround yourself with those you trust. This independence lets you stay in touch with the people you care about while still getting the treatment you need.
• Personalized Care Plans: CFC makes sure that your care plan takes into account that everyone's needs are different. A care manager can help you make a plan that meets your needs, whether you need help with daily duties or aid with taking your medications.
• Home-Based Services: CFC isn’t about being cared for in a facility; it’s about receiving personalized care at home. Services include everything from help with daily activities (like bathing and dressing) to meal preparation, housekeeping, and even transportation.
• Ongoing Support and Flexibility: Your needs may change, and CFC can adapt. If your health changes or you need different services, your care plan can evolve to meet those needs.

Why is Community First Choice Important?

"Because You Deserve to Live Your Best Life at Home"

Community First Choice is more than just a service—it’s an opportunity for individuals to live with dignity, independence, and freedom. Here’s why it’s crucial for you or your loved one:

• Stay in Your Home: Imagine the comfort of waking up in your own bed every morning. Instead of being moved to a nursing home, CFC lets you stay in the place you’ve created and feel most at ease—your own home.
• Affordable, Lifelong Care: The financial burden of long-term care can be overwhelming. CFC offers a more cost-effective solution by providing Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services. It ensures that care at home is affordable and accessible.
• Support for Families: Caregiving is an act of love, but it can also be exhausting. CFC not only helps individuals but also supports family caregivers. Family members can be trained, compensated, and given the tools they need to provide compassionate care.
• Promotes Connection and Engagement: CFC ensures that individuals can continue to engage in the activities that bring them joy. Whether it’s gardening, reading, or simply spending time with loved ones, CFC helps you stay connected to the things that matter most.

What Role Does a Caregiver Play in CFC?

"Caregivers: The Heart and Soul of Community First Choice"

Caregivers are the unsung heroes who make the Community First Choice program work. Their love and dedication are at the heart of every successful care plan. Whether they’re family members or professional aides, caregivers are very important for making sure that people who use CFC services are happy and healthy. Here's how:

• Compassionate Assistance: Caregivers help with the daily tasks that make life easier—helping with personal care, preparing meals, assisting with medication, and more. They provide the love and support that individuals need to live with dignity and joy.
• Emotional Support and Companionship: Caregivers offer much more than physical help. They provide emotional support, creating a sense of belonging and comfort. Their companionship combats feelings of isolation, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
• Household Management: Caregivers also help maintain the home, ensuring that everything is in order. They manage things like laundry, grocery shopping, and light cleaning, so the individual can focus on their health and happiness.
• Caregiver Support and Training: If you're a family member providing care, CFC can provide you with training and compensation. This makes the caregiving process more manageable, ensuring that you can provide the best care without sacrificing your well-being.

Why You Need CFC: The Heart of Home-Based Care

"Because Your Home Is Where You Belong"

If you’re asking yourself, “Why should I apply for CFC?” here are some powerful reasons why you, or your loved one, deserve to experience the benefits of this life-changing program:

• Live in the Comfort of Your Own Home: There’s nothing more comforting than being at home—surrounded by memories, family, and the familiarity of your space. CFC allows you to remain in your home, where you feel safe and loved, rather than being placed in an institutional setting.
• Affordable Care Without Compromise: Healthcare costs can be overwhelming, but CFC offers a cost-effective solution. Through Medicaid, CFC ensures that you get the care you need without the financial strain, freeing you to focus on what matters most: your health, happiness, and family.
• A Tailored Care Plan: CFC doesn’t offer a generic solution; instead, it provides a personalized care plan designed to meet your specific needs. CFC can help you with ordinary tasks or more specialized care, depending on what you need.
• Support for Family Caregivers: If you’re a family caregiver, CFC recognizes the emotional and physical toll that caregiving can take. Caregiver training, financial assistance, and respite care are available to help make your caregiving journey a little easier.

Why Now? Why You Should Apply for CFC Services Today

"The Time for Action is Now: Secure Your Care, Secure Your Future"

The world is changing, and so is the way care is delivered. Here's why you should apply for CFC services now:

• Changing Medicaid Policies: With Medicaid verification every six months and work requirements now in place for some individuals, applying for CFC services now ensures you stay ahead of these changes.
• Expanded Access in Maryland and New Jersey: States like Maryland and New Jersey are actively expanding CFC services. If you’re living in these states, this is the perfect time to apply and receive support before waiting lists grow.
• Increased Availability and Resources: With new federal funding and increased state-level Medicaid expansion, there are more resources available to address the rising need for CFC services.
• Access to Remote Care and Flexibility: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CFC has become more flexible with options for telehealth, virtual monitoring, and remote support, making it even easier to access care from the comfort of home.

Is CFC Safe? Your Safety is Our Priority

"Peace of Mind: How CFC Ensures Your Safety and Comfort"

When it comes to care, safety is non-negotiable. CFC takes several important measures to ensure that both you and your caregivers are safe and well cared for:

• Caregiver Screening and Training: Every caregiver is thoroughly background checked and provided with professional training to ensure the highest standards of care.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Regular check-ins by case managers ensure that services are being delivered correctly, and if issues arise, they are addressed immediately.
• Emergency Response Systems: If an emergency occurs, CFC services include medical alert systems to summon help quickly, ensuring you never feel alone.

Cottage Home Care Maryland: Your Trusted Partner for CFC Services

Looking for a trusted home care provider in Maryland or New Jersey? Cottage Home Care Maryland, LLC is here to help you access Community First Choice services and ensure you live with the independence and love you deserve.

Contact Cottage Home Care Maryland, LLC for expert guidance in applying for CFC services:

Cottage Home Care Maryland, LLC

6310 Stevens Forest Rd, Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21046

Email: maryland@cottagehomecare.com

Tel: (667) 400-0648 | (516) 367-2266

Email: maryland@cottagehomecare.com

Discover More: Free Care Packages in New Jersey & Maryland

• Free Care Packages in New Jersey & Maryland: Learn how we’re helping families transition to independent living with free care packages for new clients.
• Home Care of Maryland – 25+ Years of Service: With over 25 years of experience, Cottage Home Care is the trusted choice for home care in Maryland.

Additional Information on Community First Choice

The Community First Choice Option lets States give eligible Medicaid enrollees home- and community-based attendant services and supports through their State Plan. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 made this option possible, and it became available on October 1, 2011.

For service costs associated to this option, it raises Federal matching payments to States by 6 percentage points. The Federal Register issued the last rule for CFC on May 7, 2012. The last rule that defined the home and community setting criteria for the program was published on January 16, 2014.

CMS produced the Community First Choice: Interim Report to Congress, which was required by law. It summarized the results of the CFC option, including the status of state submissions for CFC and the supply of services. Later, CMS sent Congress the Community First Choice: Final Report, which summarized what they had learned from states including California, Montana, Maryland, and Oregon, which had been using the CFC benefit since December 2014.

For more detailed information, you can access the final regulation here and the Final Report to Congress here.

Conclusion: Empower Your Independence with CFC

Community First Choice (CFC) is more than a program; it’s a lifeline. It’s your chance to live independently while receiving the care and support that you deserve. Whether you're in Maryland, New Jersey, or another state, CFC is the key to remaining safe, independent, and connected to your community.

Don’t wait— Contact Us for CFC services today and begin your journey to a life full of love, independence, and freedom.