Todd Breaker
iLIFE Participant Liaison
Confusing.
Exhausting. Time-consuming.
For people that self-direct their support services,
paperwork and administrative duties can bring out these feelings. However, there is another solution. Technology offers quick and accurate ways to
get these tasks done.
One of the ways iLIFE uses technology to help the people we
serve is offering online
timesheets. Caregivers submit their
timesheets online for approval by their participant employer. Caregivers get paid timely and accurately
without having to fax, mail, or email paperwork.
Sounds easy, right?
When I tell people about this resource, the common response
I get is that they are not good with computers.
These are sincere feelings from our participants that I always
respect. The reality is they face other barriers
to technology, as well, including limited internet access, high costs for home
internet service, or not owning a computer.
Despite these hurdles, there are also success stories. One example is from a caregiver that had
issues with time cards every month.
After they and their employer signed up for online timesheets, this
person came to my office and thanked me.
This tech tool helped make their life easier.
I have heard from many participants that self-direct and use
online timesheets who never want to see a paper time card ever again. Embracing
technology can help participants and their caregivers achieve success through
self-directing programs.
So, how can we encourage people to start using
technology? Start a conversation with
the people you serve. Teach, listen, and
learn. It is important to keep in mind
we have to offer many different options and allow people to use the methods
that work best for them.
Because ultimately, as financial management service
providers, we want these emotions to come through:
Timely. Accurate. Trusted.
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