Understanding Options
A guide to Community Engagement and Group Respite options
Group Respite (RICS)
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Supervised care in community settings
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Designed to give guardians a planned break
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Small, relationship-centered groups
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Emphasis on safety, consistency, and positive group dynamics
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Calm, supportive environments with familiar peers
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Goals are not required for this service
Group Respite hours are drawn from the participant’s yearly authorized respite hours. Using group respite does not reduce or replace a primary caregiver’s personal care hours. Life Ahead can help guardians plan group respite within their total annual authorization.
Community Engagement (CE)
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A waiver-based service that supports participants to engage in community activities
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Focuses on meaningful participation tied to personal interests and goals
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Helps build skills, relationships, and confidence in real-world settings
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Activities can include art, recreation, classes, events, volunteering, and more
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Provided one-on-one or in small groups when goals and interests align
Community Engagement is billed as a waiver service and must be included in the participant’s Person-Centered Service Plan with documented goals. These hours are part of the participant’s total authorized Community Engagement allocation for the plan year. Using Community Engagement hours does not reduce or replace a primary caregiver’s personal care hours.
Community Engagement services are requested through your case manager and covered by Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, including the Individual and Family Services (IFS) waiver, the Basic Plus waiver, and the Core waiver when Community Engagement is authorized on a participant’s service plan.