Joshin is a care platform for individuals of all ages, with special needs to book qualified and pre-screened caregivers (“Joymakers”) using an on-demand, 24/7 via easy-to-use mobile app.
Minneapolis, MN – April 8, 2020 – Joshin, a technology company, devoted to special needs and disability care, has expanded its Self-Directed Medicaid Services from only Minnesota to all of its current markets: Chicago, New York City, which includes Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Joshin is the first of its kind disability care, providing 24/7 access to on-demand care in an easy to use app.
Joshin is the first company in the nation to offer a targeted disability care platform through app-based technology. It was designed specifically for the challenges of families with special needs, who often face obstacles in finding qualified caregivers.Joshin supports all ages and a wide range of needs, including Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, physical disabilities and more.
Melissa Danielsen and Melanie Fountaine, twin sisters and co-founders of Joshin, say that the idea for Joshin was inspired by their older brother Josh and the 1-5 families in the US with special needs. “The demand for Joshin continues to prove itself with an average of 30% quarterly growth.” they said. Fountaine adds, “The CDC just announced that 1 in 54 children is now diagnosed with autism, a nearly 10 percent increase from 2014.”
According to Medicaid.gov, the Affordable Care Act, authorized section 1915(k) of the Act to offer self-directed services. Under this section these tasks include the ability to recruit, hire, fire, supervise, and manage workers in the provision of Community First Choice Option services and supports. This means, families using Self-Directed Funding pay a monthly fee to recruit Joymakers on the Joshin platform. Once the family finds their Joymaker they work with their fiscal agent to hire them according to their state guidelines.
Given COVID-19 and the extraneous conditions this puts on businesses and families; to date, there are currently 40 states with an approved 1135 waiver to address COVID-19 on the CMS website. The purpose of the modifications to 1135 waivers is to lessen the strain on families and providers to find care during this time. This means now more than ever, it is easier for families to use Joshin to recruit caregivers and quickly bringthem on to provide care. Danielsen notes, “It takes the average family with special needs 6-8 weeks to find a caregiver. Joshin does this work for them and has their caregivers in one place for them to get matched with.” She adds, “If a family wants to start the process with Joshin, they simply go to the Joshin Self-Directed Page and complete the form. It’s that easy!”
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Press Release
Our network of caregivers (“Joymakers”), are rigorously screened through background checks, experience reviews and social media checks. Joshin Experience Manager, Sarah McComb indicates, “Joshin has seen a 40% increase in caregivers applying to the platform over the last 30-days.” She adds, “Our Joymakers want to continue to serve family’s during this time.”
Joshin Advisor and disability advocate, Michael Kutcher says, “For people unfamiliar with special needs families it may be difficult to understand specific needs and the level of care required. Disabilities have various degrees and require caregivers who are familiar with the individual’s special needs.” Michael, who has personal experience with overcoming obstacles and living with Cerebral Palsy also says, “A caregiver unfamiliar with these needs may not know how to react, or may lack empathy in given situations. Additionally, often times the individual will react differently to a caregiver who understands their needs versus a less familiar caregiver”.
Self-Directed families, the Joshin app offers several key benefits for ease of use:
- Download the app: Create your free account and immediately view caregivers in your area.
- Joshin Care Plan: Build your Care Plan, a special tool for families and carerecipients to manage and communicate care needs, goals and preferences; a way to ensure continuity of care and train Joymakers.
- Easy communication: Families can update the Joshin Care Plan as often as they need in real-time and use in-app messaging to message caregivers.
- Favorite and filter caregivers: Families and care recipient can “favorite” Joymakers, so they show up at the top of their list and filter caregivers by specific needs.
About Joshin
Joshin is the only disability care app that connects families with special needs to qualified, vetted, specially trained caregivers. With more than 15 years of experience in disability services, we know what it takes to deliver phenomenal care. Learn more at https://joshin.com/caregivers and follow on social @joshincare.
Media Contact
Sarah McComb, Joshin
PR@joshin.com
612-440-1720