News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Sara Sooy, Commissioner Deputy Director
Melonie Marano, Commissioner | Paul Drake, Commissioner | Doug Singleterry, Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2021
Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Provides Access to Personal Assistance Services
PASP Program Helps Support Individuals with Physical Disabilities
SOMERVILLE, NJ – Offered by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, the Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP) helps physically disabled adults maintain their independence. Through PASP, the client chooses individuals or service providers that can assist them with routine tasks such as personal care, cleaning, cooking, laundry, transportation, household management, household chores and other errands.
“For many people, this program can make a huge difference in their quality of life,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake. “PASP helps support a better quality of life for persons with disabilities so that they can maintain their independence and be more involved in their community through employment, volunteering or going to school.”
Eligible persons with physical disabilities can receive up to 40 hours of services per week for routine, non-medical personal care assistance depending on the results of an assessment. Eligible participants can tailor their personal care services through a cash allowance issued through PASP and also have the option of hiring a friend, family member, or an assistant from an agency.
Eligibility
Participants must meet the following requirements:
- Be permanently physically disabled
- Not Medicaid eligible
- Between the ages of 18 and 70
- Active in the community via employment, volunteer work (minimum of 20 hours per month) or in school
- Reside in a community-based residence such as a home, apartment, or condominium (those who reside in an institutional setting are not eligible)
- Able to self-direct and supervise employees and the services they provide
PASP promotes a “social model” philosophy, which is the idea that it is beneficial for society to decrease the physical, attitudinal, and social barriers that persons with disabilities may experience throughout their lifetime. The program helps individuals make better life decisions and manage their care more independently.
For more information, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services PASP Coordinator Amy Cameron at 908-704-6346 or send an email to cameron@co.somerset.nj.us
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