DON … A Home Care Agency and So Much More

DON Services is a home care agency with a mission to assist people with disabilities to live how and where they choose by providing Home and Community Based Services in several counties across southwestern Pennsylvania. There are other agencies that would be considered similar providers; however, DON is unique and offers many benefits and opportunities which other companies do not.

Consumers and the community are at the center of everything DON does. For example, DON Enterprises Inc., administers a USDA Home Preservation grant that has provided more than $62,260 in home repair funding to low- income homeowners with disabilities living in Westmoreland County. Disability Options Network, a Center for Independent Living (CIL), is a disability rights advocacy agency that supports anyone with a disability living in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, or Westmoreland counties. The Network helps its consumers to navigate barriers a person may be facing, even creating solutions for needs in the community. For example, the Network used grant funding to launch a temporary modular aluminum ramp rental program to assist people who are waiting on home modifications through their Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports program.

Recently, the CIL also launched DON Connect, a virtual web-based program that was created to provide a central web-based platform focused on improving the health and well-being of consumers. Anyone can use the platform by scanning the QR code with the camera of a smart device and access a variety of content focusing on eight dimensions of wellness. An added benefit of the program is a commitment to help those with disabilities navigate any barriers to accessing COVID vaccinations or boosters. Disability Options Network, supported by DON Services, will help consumers explore this program and, moving into the second half of 2023, is looking to offer social connections for those with similar interests in various community activities.

DON provides free one-on-one support to any person needing guidance through the often complicated enrollment process for Medicaid in order to help that person age in place at home – thereby avoiding the nursing home. A Medicaid Community Health Choices waiver can cover paid caregivers providing support with daily activities such as shopping assistance; helping with activities in the home such as meal assistance, light housekeeping, or assistance with laundry; or even personal care. DON Services strives to be person centered by connecting consumers to other services that might be able to meet additional needs. If you are already caring for a loved one, DON can help you explore if it is possible for you to get paid for the assistance you are already providing.

DON focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities to live as independently as they choose and is always seeking employees that want to make a difference and get involved, both in the life of an individual and in helping that individual get connected with their community.

Call DON at 1-866-652-5121 to learn about programs or even explore employment opportunities. DON has offices located in Donora, Greensburg, New Castle and Pittsburgh.