Monday, March 21, 2011
Buffalo River Services Provides Assistance To Many In The Community
Based in Wayne County, Buffalo River Services, Inc., is a private, non-profit corporation, licensed and contracted by the State of Tennessee to provide a variety of services to persons with disabilities. BRS was formed by a group of concerned parents in 1972, providing services to adults with disabilities in Wayne County. It has now grown into a multi-county, decentralized agency with a state-wide reputation of providing quality, person-centered services.
Services provided by BRS include:
*Supported Living Services – Residential locations involve assisting people who live alone as they require. Some people receive a few hours a week, some receive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Care is personalized, but can include assistance with personal hygiene, mealtime preparation, general house cle3aning, medication administration, etc.
*Personal Assistance Services – Typically provided to people who still live with their families, but is there to provide the family with needed supports when they are unavailable or unable to assist. The number of hours varies based upon need and the supports provided are relevant to the needs of the individual.
*Day Services – Operates Monday through Friday, six hours per day. Services can include a combination of community based activities, facility based activities, and employment based activities. Services are customized to meet the needs of each specific person.
*Nursing services/medical residential – When medical services are necessary options of medical residences and LPN services are available. Standard nursing skills are provided to ensure the best possible health. This program is overseen by an on-staff Registered Nurse who supervises the care and development of those who have medical needs.
*TennCare choices – BRS is a provider of the Choices in Long Term Care program offered through TennCare. This service provides a variety of supports to senior citizens in the area and to people with other disabilities.
*Family support – A grant program that assists families in obtaining needed funds to provide supports such as adaptive equipment, ramps, sitter services, etc., to a member of their family who has a disability.
Each service provided is funded in different ways, however primary services are funded through the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Services are grant-based, however BRS is able to accept payments directly for services.
To determine eligibility for services, or to check for employment opportunities, you can contact the Lawrence County BRS site at 931-762-3203.
