DD Health Home: Steps Forward

Find Your Path Forward.

Managing your health can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. DD Health Home: Steps Forward listens closely, tailors support, and provides education to help you meet your health goals.

About This Program

What is DD Health Home: Steps Forward?

The Developmental Disabilities Health Home: Steps Forward program provides added support to people with developmental disabilities, who have or are at risk of developing chronic health conditions. This service is a benefit of your Medicaid coverage. This whole-person support focuses on both medical and lifestyle needs, all from the comfort of home.

Partners in health

  • Each person is partnered with a Nurse Care Manager who understands their health needs, provides education, and helps create a personalized plan for better health.
  • A caring team of health professionals is available to provide one-on-one health education and supportive consultation. Our team includes doctors, nurses, therapists, nutritionists, behavioral specialists, and others who understand the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • This program works with your doctors, nurses, and caregivers to make sure your care stays connected and focused on your individual needs.
  • The goal is to support people in staying healthy and reaching their personal health goals.

Eligiblity

Participants must:

  • Be receiving Division of DD services through DMH

  • Have active Missouri Medicaid

  • Have an intellectual and/or developmental disability

  • Have or be at risk of developing a qualifying chronic condition:
    • Diabetes
    • Asthma
    • Cardiovascular disease or hypertension
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    • Overweight (Body Mass Index (BMI)>25)
    • Dementia
    • Dependent on a ventilator
    • Tobacco use
    • Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • One of the Fatal Five Plus Conditions:
          Pulmonary Aspiration
          Bowel Obstruction
          Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
          Seizures, Sepsis
          Dehydration
    • Using the Health Risk Screening Tool that identifies potential risk for individuals with a Healthcare Level of 3 or greater

To see if you’re eligible, call (417) 886-0404 (Ext. 4) or email ddhealthhome@abilitiesfirst.net

In Their Own Words

Hear What People Are Saying

  • “I have had a few individuals lately who have needed extra attention when it came to their medical care. It truly makes all the difference when you add a member to the team who will take time to listen and educate individuals and families on healthy lifestyles. I am truly BLOWN AWAY by their support they have provided for my families and so THANKFUL for all that they do.”

    — Support Coordinator,
    DD Health Home: Steps Forward

  • “Our Nurse Care Manager has been a valuable resource to our family, supporting not only my son, but our whole family.”

    — DD Health Home: Steps Forward person served

  • “Our Nurse Care Manager has gone above and beyond to provide resources and support that are both practical and easily implemented.”

    — DD Health Home: Steps Forward person served

  • “I am thankful that my Nurse Care Manager is there to guide me to help my daughter be healthy.”

    — DD Health Home: Steps Forward person served

  • “A client’s mom was overcome with emotion after receiving support and validation that she’s a great mom and she’s doing the very best she can for her son, despite her own physical challenges. She was extremely grateful to Dr Alex for the home modification recommendations, as she couldn’t get anybody else to do it for months and months, let alone before their deadline.”

    — Nurse Care Manager,
    DD Health Home: Steps Forward

  • “We have a client that was so grateful that Dr. Alex was able to recommend home modification suggestions as they weren’t able to get anyone to help. The client’s mom is having cardiac issues and has been having to carry the client around and it’s been really hard for her. We were also able to help the mom with respite services, so she was able to go to a cardiologist appointment with peace of mind that her child was being cared for.”

    — Nurse Care Manager,
    DD Health Home: Steps Forward

  • “I’ve made a good connection with the mother of one my clients. I did an in-person health screening a couple of months ago, and we sat there and talked about the friendships she’s been able to build (they recently moved to Bolivar) which has given her daughter playmates as well. I was probably there for an hour and half! Her daughter was then hospitalized and during my hospital follow up, her mom stated that she knows I truly care about them both. We talked about how her daughter was doing, but I also made sure that Mom was taking care of herself.”

    — Nurse Care Manager,
    DD Health Home:Steps Forward