WHAT IS "CAP"?
The Community Alternatives Program for Persons with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities (CAP-MR/DD) is a special Medicaid community care funding source. Also known as "CAP", this program combines federal and state funds to provide a cost-effective alternative to care in an intermediate care facility. The goal of CAP is to allow individuals to live in the community with as much independence as possible. Available throughout North Carolina, CAP can provide one-on-one services and supports for each participant, based on the individual’s assessed needs.
These services and supports include well-trained, screened staff (habilitation technicians) working with participants in their homes and out in the community. Habilitation technicians assist participants with such objectives as gross/fine motor skills, behavior, socialization skills, self-help skills, play skills, language and communication and academics. Also covered, as needed, are respite, family training, supported employment, fences and alarm systems (for clients at risk for wandering), and ramps and other home and vehicle modifications.
For more information about the North Carolina CAP program, you can go online at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/mhddsas or call your county's mental health/developmental disabilities/substance abuse office. If you live in North Carolina, you may also contact us at 1-800-760-0665 and we will help you find the appropriate person for you to talk to in your county.