• Watauga County Project on Aging

Community Alternatives Program

The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) is a special Medicaid program under the Community Care Section of the Division of Health Benefits. The program makes care at home a real possibility for many people who face nursing home placement.

CAP/DA exists to supplement rather than replace the formal and informal services and support already available to an individual. The program’s goal is to enable individuals to remain in their homes or to return to their homes from nursing facilities and live as independently as possible

There are two options under the CAP program:

  • CAP/DA (Disabled Adults)
  • CAP Choice

CAP/DA is for a person 18 years of age and older who:

  • Is eligible for Medicaid
  • Lives in a private residence and is at risk of being placed in a nursing facility, or lives in a nursing facility and desires to return to a private residence;
  • Requires nursing facility care (IC or SN) as determined through the Medicaid prior approval process;
  • Needs CAP/DA services to remain safely at home;
  • Can have his or her health, safety, and well-being maintained at home within the Medicaid cost limit; and
  • Desires CAP/DA services instead of institutional care.

CAP Choice is a Consumer Directed option.  Individuals must meet all of the CAP/DA qualifications, as well as:

  • Understand the rights and responsibilities of directing his or her own care.
  • Be willing and intellectually capable to assume the responsibilities for consumer directed care, or select a representative who is willing and capable to assume necessary responsibilities. 

How To Apply

  1. Call or come by Watauga County Project on Aging, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  2. A CAP Case Manger will counsel them.
  3. A service request form (SRF) must be completed and approved by the Division of Health Benefits.
  4. If not covered by Medicaid they will apply for CAP Medicaid at the Department of Social Services.
  5. Either the Client or a designated representative may initiate an application.

CAP Finances

  1. Client must be on or apply to be on full Medicaid.
  2. The client may have a deductible. The Department of Social Services Medicaid Worker determines this.
  3. Qualifying medical expenses may be used toward the deductible, as determined by the Department of Social Services Medicaid Worker.

CAP Benefits

  1. Purchase and rental of Durable Medical Equipment and supplies.
  2. In-home Aide Services.
  3. Case Management.
  4. Home Delivered Meals.
  5. Home Mobility Aids.
  6. Telephone Alert.

The Project on Aging coordinates with home health agencies which provide the following:

  1. Nursing Services.
  2. Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy
  3. Medical Supplies
  4. Durable Medical Equipment
  5. Nurse Aide Services

Referrals to:

    Watauga County Project on Aging
    Case Manager
    132 Poplar Grove
    Connector, Suite A
    Boone, NC 28607
    828-265-8090