Northwest provides services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities living in their homes, by themselves or with family.  Recipients of this service receive in-home support to help them continue to live as independently as possible.   

Services provided include but not limited to: 

• Assisting with hygiene needs 
• Meal preparation 
• Light housekeeping 
• Shopping 
• Transportation to medical appointments 

Personal Care Services are funded through the ID and LAH Medicaid Waiver programs.

Within 30 days of admission, a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) will be developed to address individual needs and enhance the individual's potential and quality of life. This plan will be created collaboratively by a support coordinator, the client, and their family.  

Each PCP is driven by the goals and dreams of the individual and will include strategies and outcomes for each goal.  

The client's PCP is updated periodically, and each support coordinator maintains a progress report on the individual's goals and outcomes. 

Previously referred to as case management, support coordinators help create each client’s person-centered plan and ensure that both initial and ongoing services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.

Support Coordination is built on five guiding principles:

• Collaboration: ADMH-DD ensures everyone has an equal voice and shared responsibility through collaboration with all internal and external stakeholders, leading to better outcomes for all. 
• Innovation: ADMH-DD actively seeks out creative solutions and support an environment where all stakeholders are empowered to build new and bold practices. 
• Transparency: ADMH-DD commits to proactively sharing the vision, goals, approaches, through clear and concise information with all stakeholders affected by our decisions and actions. 
• Integrity: ADMH-DD aligns the vision, goals, and approaches; and continually seek out honest evaluations of how programs being administered are impacting the lives of Alabamians and the communities in which they live. ADMH-DD ensures all actions align with our communication. 
• Relationships: ADMH-DD commits to building a foundation of trust through shared understanding and mutual respect. 

This information was provided by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

NWAMHC proudly serves as the hub for Individual and Family Support services in the following counties: Marion, Winston, Lamar, Fayette, Walker, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Greene, Hale, Sumter, Marengo, Choctaw, and Bibb. IFS helps meet needs of eligible Alabamians with disabilities and their families within resources limitations.

Services provided include but not limited to help information/resources, cash assistance, and moral support.

• Enforceable Lease: Each person residing in a Certified Residential Facility owned by Northwest will have a legally enforceable lease.  
• Recreation: Clients will have access to regular activities and community locations that provide for maximizing their potential in recreational and leisure participation, skill, and enjoyment.  
  • Daily leisure activities of each person’s choice such as cards, table games, video games, computer games, indoor/outdoor exercise, and outdoor games will be provided.  
  • Opportunities for recreational outings will be provided, utilizing community resources such as picnics, dining out, movies, special community events, festivals, and church activities. 
• Daily Routines: Each person will be assisted in maintaining meaningful daily activities and routines addressed in their PCP.  
• Day Programming: Individuals will have the opportunity to choose day program services that align with their habilitation needs and personal preferences, based on the programs available within the community. 
  • Programming will include learning, participation and service opportunities that are meaningful, functional, and person driven.  
  • Those not participating in a formal day program will be assisted to participate in daily activities meaningful to him/her as described in their PCP.  
• Public Education: All clients within the age guidelines set by the State of Alabama will attend public school in the area in which they reside.  
• Freedom to Furnish/Decorate Bedroom: Each person is encouraged to decorate their bedroom in accordance with their personal preferences.  
  • Everyone will be expected to pay for the items they choose to furnish/decorate with.  
  • No one will be restrained in their choice of decor if there is enough space, and it does not pose a safety risk.  
  • Individuals must stay within the guidelines of their lease or residential agreement when choosing their furnishings.  

• Supervision: Each client’s level of supervision will be addressed in their PCP planning process.  
  • Unless otherwise stated in their PCP, a staff member will remain at the facility/grounds when people being served are present. 
  • When transporting, one (1) staff member will remain in the vehicle when there are people on board.  
    • People may remain on board alone only as stated in their PCP.  
• Clothing: Each person is encouraged to express their independent tastes in clothing styles with staff assisting as necessary. 
• Personal Possessions: Each client will be assisted in having and managing their personal possessions and property.  
  • Personal pets will not be allowed at the ID residential programs without the universal approval of the residents at the home and the Support Team.  
    • People will be responsible for their pet’s care/attention and all costs related to the care of the animal. 
    • A pet will be removed for inhumane treatment.  
  • People will not be allowed to purchase, bring into the facility, or maintain in their possession any item intended to be used as a weapon.  
  • Staff will educate and assist each person in the care and maintenance of the client’s personal possessions.  
  • Each person is responsible to pay for all personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream and accessories, feminine supplies, soap, combs and brushes, make-up, and other personal toiletry items.  
• Finances: Clients will manage their own personal funds account unless there is a payee, guardian, or similar appointee who manages the account for them. A personal checking account will be established for each person, and a regular account of financial activities/status will be maintained.  
• Health, Hygiene, and Grooming: Each client will receive education, guidance, and assistance to exercise maximum independence in maintaining proper health, hygiene, and grooming practices.  
• Smoking/Tobacco Use: No client will be discouraged from using tobacco products; however, opportunities will be provided to those who choose to use tobacco.  
  • Specific areas will be designated for smoking/tobacco use in accordance with Life Safety Codes.  
  • Smoking/tobacco use will not be permitted in program vehicles.  
  • People who use tobacco will receive training in smoking/tobacco use safety.  
  • Each person’s use of tobacco products will be monitored by staff, for the safety and welfare of the person.  
  • Tobacco usage can only be restricted by a physician's order and with approval by the Human Rights Committee.  
• Least Restrictive Conditions: No physical mechanical restraints, seclusion, drugs, or other interventions may be administered for purposes of punishment, discipline, or staff convenience.  
• Medical Care and Treatment: A comprehensive physical examination will be scheduled 90 days (about 3 months) prior to admission. Preventative examinations will be scheduled yearly thereafter. Vision, auditory, and dental examinations will be scheduled as needed or recommended and referred by the attended personal physician.  
  • Each client and their family/responsible party reserve the right to refuse treatment or seek a second opinion.