Aging can be a difficult part of life that is not made easier when you have a disability to rise above, but living independently is something many people who get older wish to do.

Jay Steinhardt, 67, lives with a number of health-related challenges, including epilepsy.

“It’s uncontrolled. I have seizures on a daily basis,” he said. “I need help in my home.”

But he’s managed to live on his own for most of his adult life.

“I have a lot of doctors appointments,” Steinhardt said. “I also have a lot of community meetings and do my community action.”

Steinhardt is a fierce advocate for people living with disabilities, but it’s work that’s not easy given his own health.

“I was able to find somebody that was productive and was willing to meet my schedule. Being flexible is key,” he said.

This was through something called Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services.

“It’s a Medicaid, state-funded program that allows people with disabilities and seniors to remain in their home and receive home care,” said CDChoices Compliance Manager Melissa Groves.

CDChoices is an Albany-based company that facilitates this form of care.

“What makes it different from a traditional home agency is that it lets them become the employer,” she said. “They hire their own staff. They have complete control over who is coming into their home to provide the care.”

The whole idea is maintaining a sense of independence.

According to a recent AARP survey, 8 in 10 older adults want to age in their own homes.

“I don’t think I know anybody that enjoys having to admit that they need to give up some control, or they need to give up their independence. And maybe we don’t realize that because we’re able to do,” she said.

Unfortunately, Steinhardt’s insurance company does not allow such services, which once provided him up to 40 hours of assistance. His current plan allows 20.

“I get up. I lay in bed,” he said. “Luckily, this facility has an exercise room.”

He says he’ll continue fighting.

“I would recommend the state issue a mandate for consumer choice,” he said. “Not allow the insurance companies to mandate where things are going.”