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Alamance County approves increased cap on in‑home aide contract for emergency protective services
Summary
After hearing that staff responded to 458 screened adult‑protection reports last year and used in‑home aides in six cases, commissioners unanimously approved a not‑to‑exceed $200,000 cap to ensure services can be provided through June 30; part of the cost is covered by a $43,013 federal grant.
Alamance County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize a not‑to‑exceed $200,000 cap on the county’s in‑home aide contract used for emergency protective services for elderly and disabled adults.
Candace Scobel, director of the county Department of Social Services, said the department is statutorily required to respond to reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation for adults and that those duties sometimes require the county to place individuals with in‑home aides when family members are unavailable. “Over the last fiscal year, we have reacted or had to go out because it was screened in to 458 reports,” Scobel said, noting the county has used in‑home aides in six cases this year.
Scobel told commissioners the $200,000 cap is a not‑to‑exceed figure intended to provide budget capacity through June 30; she said an existing federal grant of $43,013 has already been expended and will offset some costs. Commissioners and staff discussed contract controls, per‑unit rates and the process for recovering funds when a guardian of the estate is later established. Scobel said recovery requires court‑supervised liquidation of assets and that the county requests repayment when funds are available.
Commissioners asked whether the change reflects recurring need or an unusually high year; Scobel and staff said the figure is precautionary because it is hard to predict how many emergency placements will be required. County staff also said all contracts go through legal review and that the department does not unilaterally set contract terms.
A motion to approve the addendum passed by voice vote with no recorded dissents.
Next steps: staff will finalize the addendum consistent with the approved cap and continue to report to commissioners on cases that require in‑home aide placement.
