CMS Releases Resources on Supporting Adults with I/DD and Their Aging Caregivers

​This month, CMS released a set of resources designed to support state Medicaid and partner agencies that play critical roles in designing and delivering supports and services that meet the current and future needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their aging parents and caregivers.

An estimated one million households in the U.S. include an adult with I/DD living with and supported by aging caregivers, and this number is growing. As adults with I/DD and their caregivers age and experience life transitions, they may need new or additional supports. The series of resources are:

• How State Agencies Can Anticipate and Meet the Needs of Adults with I/DD and Their Aging Caregivers describes strategies that state Medicaid and partner agencies can leverage to anticipate and meet the needs of adults with I/DD and their caregivers, including strategies related to services, data management, and partnerships.
• State Policies and Practices to Support Person-Centered Planning Across the Lifespan for Individuals with I/DD and Their Aging Caregivers highlights ways that states can design and implement person-centered planning processes to support adults with I/DD and their caregivers throughout their lives. 
• State Policies and Practices to Support Aging Caregivers of Adults with I/DD discusses strategies states are using to address the needs of aging caregivers, including assessment, training, and navigation support. 
• State Spotlights: Supporting Adults with I/DD and Their Aging Caregivers highlights innovative strategies states are using in four areas of focus: building interagency partnerships and relationships, providing engagement and navigation supports, implementing person- and family-centered systems of support, and planning for the future.