If you are caring for an adult child, sibling, or loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) in Lackawanna County, you may have heard about “ODP waivers” but aren’t sure what they actually cover or how they connect to in‑home care.

This guide explains, in everyday language, how Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) waivers work, what the Consolidated, P/FDS, and Community Living waivers do, and how they can support safe, meaningful life at home with Traditional’s Habilitation and home care services.

What Is an ODP Waiver?

Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) offers Medicaid “waiver” programs that help adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities live in their own homes or family homes instead of in institutions.

These waivers “waive” certain Medicaid rules so that funds can be used for services like in‑home community supports, companion care, respite, and other supports that help a person be safe, engaged, and as independent as possible in the community.

Traditional Home Care is an approved provider for several ODP waivers, including the Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), and Community Living waivers, as well as county base funding.

How ODP Waivers Support Home and Community Life

For IDD families in Lackawanna County and across Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, ODP waivers can fund a wide range of in‑home and community services.

Through Traditional Habilitation Services, adults with IDD can receive support that is designed to help them live safely at home, build skills, and participate in their communities with comfort, independence, and dignity.

Examples of Habilitation and in‑home community supports available through these waivers include:

• Meal planning and preparation
• Money management and budgeting support
• Community integration and outings
• Socialization with peers and support for friendships
• Exercise and fitness activities
• Entertainment, recreation, and volunteer activities
• Health and safety oversight
• Personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Household chores and light housekeeping
• Assistance with appointments and transportation
• Intensive in‑home community support (ICHS 2:1, Level 3) when needed

For some individuals, shift nursing support (LPN or RN 1:1) can be provided through Traditional Home Health Care in addition to waiver-funded habilitation services.

Consolidated, P/FDS, and Community Living Waivers: What’s the Difference?

While each ODP waiver has its own detailed rules, it may help to think of them in terms of the overall level of support and flexibility your loved one may need.

Consolidated Waiver

The Consolidated Waiver is designed for individuals who need a higher level of support, often including 24‑hour or near 24‑hour services or intensive staffing. It can fund a broad range of in‑home and community services to help someone with complex needs remain safe and engaged in the community rather than in an institution or facility.

Because it is the most comprehensive of the three waivers, families using the Consolidated Waiver often work closely with providers like Traditional to build a detailed support plan that covers daily living, behavioral and safety needs, and community participation.

Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver

The Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver is typically used for individuals with IDD who need regular support but not the full level of funding available under the Consolidated Waiver.

Families often appreciate that P/FDS is designed to be family‑friendly and flexible, supporting services such as in‑home community supports, companion care, respite, and community activities that help their loved one stay active and safe at home.

Community Living Waiver

The Community Living Waiver is aimed at adults with IDD who need a moderate level of support to live in the community, such as in their own apartment, with family, or with housemates in a community setting.

Through Community Living, individuals can receive habilitation and in‑home support services that focus on skill-building, safety, and inclusion—making it a good fit for adults who do not need the full intensity of the Consolidated Waiver but require more than very occasional support.

What Services Can My Loved One Receive at Home?

In addition to IDD-specific habilitation services, many families use ODP waivers alongside non-medical home care for personal care and daily living support.

Traditional Home Care’s Direct Care Workers (DCWs), home health aides, and companions can help with:

• Bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and other personal care
• Transferring to and from bed, chairs, or the bathroom
• Meal preparation and help with feeding as needed
• Medication reminders (non-clinical)
• Light housekeeping, laundry, and home organization
• Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and community activities
• Companionship, conversation, and engagement in hobbies and interests

These home care services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be tailored to your family’s schedule and your loved one’s goals and routine.

Counties Where Traditional Accepts ODP Waivers

Traditional is an approved provider of ODP waiver services in a wide region of Pennsylvania, including Lackawanna County and surrounding areas.

We accept ODP waivers and base funding in the following counties: Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Center, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming.

That means an adult with IDD in Lackawanna County can receive ODP waiver home care and habilitation services through Traditional as long as they have an eligible waiver and service authorization in place.

Why Families Choose Traditional for IDD Home Care

Caring for a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability is deeply personal—and it often lasts a lifetime. Families choose Traditional because they want a partner who understands both the clinical and emotional sides of long‑term support.

Traditional Home Care and Traditional Habilitation Services stand out for IDD families because we offer:

• Locally owned, experienced agency: Many years of experience serving families across Northeast and Central Pennsylvania.
• Specialized Habilitation Services: A dedicated Habilitation program designed specifically for individuals with IDD, focused on safety, community participation, and independence.
• Caregiver matching: We carefully match each person with the most compatible Direct Care Worker and personally introduce caregivers and clients to build trust.
• Extensive caregiver screening: Employees are bonded, insured, and undergo reference checks, state criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, FBI checks (as applicable), employment eligibility verification, and ongoing competency testing and training.
• In-house training and TB testing: We provide ongoing training for our care team, along with required health screenings.
• 24/7 availability: A manager is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist clients and employees in any emergency.
• Telephony system and online access: Families can monitor care and view schedules online from anywhere with internet access.

How to Get Started with ODP Waiver Home Care in Lackawanna County

If your loved one already has an ODP waiver (Consolidated, P/FDS, or Community Living), your Supports Coordinator can help you add Traditional as a service provider and authorize services such as in‑home community supports, companion care, and habilitation.

If you are not sure whether your family member is eligible for an ODP waiver, you can contact your local County IDD/ID office to begin the intake and assessment process—and our team can help guide you through what to expect and how home care can fit into the plan.

Once we receive a referral or a call from your family, Traditional will:

• Provide a free in‑home consultation to learn about your loved one’s needs, preferences, and goals.
• Complete a free home safety check to identify potential hazards and suggest modifications to support safe living at home.
• Work with you and your Supports Coordinator to build a personalized care plan that integrates waiver-funded services and any other supports.
• Match your loved one with a carefully selected caregiver and introduce them in person.

Ready to Talk About ODP Waiver Home Care?

Navigating the ODP system can feel overwhelming, especially when you are juggling medical appointments, school or day programs, work, and family responsibilities. You do not have to figure it out alone.

Whether your loved one is on the Consolidated, P/FDS, or Community Living waiver—or you are just starting the eligibility process—Traditional is here to help you understand your options and create a plan that feels right for your family.

To learn more about ODP waiver home care in Lackawanna County or to schedule a free in‑home consultation, please contact our Dunmore office today.