For many case managers, exploring Remote Supports can feel like a significant shift. You want to respect the person’s desire for independence, maintain safety, and use limited staffing resources wisely — all while ensuring the support plan remains person-centered. The good news? There are consistent, observable indicators that show when someone may be ready to thrive with Remote Supports.
Below are five key signs to watch for when considering this option for someone on your caseload.
1. They’re Asking for More Independence
One of the strongest predictors of success with Remote Supports is when the person communicates a clear desire for more autonomy. They may say things like, “I want more privacy,” “I don’t need someone watching me all the time,” or “I want to try living more on my own.” When these statements surface repeatedly — and the team agrees that independence can be increased safely — Remote Supports can serve as a bridge between “not yet” and “let’s try it.”
Instead of making an abrupt change in services, Remote Supports allow individuals to test new levels of independence with a reliable safety net. This can boost confidence, self-determination, and skill-building at a pace that feels empowering.
2. They Manage Most Tasks With Prompts Instead of Physical Support
Remote Supports are most effective when the person already completes many daily tasks independently but still benefits from reminders, coaching, or reassurance. For example, they may:
- Take medications when prompted
- Begin their bedtime routine after a verbal reminder
- Use a phone or tablet to contact someone when needed
- Follow safety instructions after verbal cues
If your documentation shows that a large portion of staff time is spent providing prompts rather than hands-on assistance, those hours are often excellent candidates for Remote Supports. Technology and remote staff can deliver the same guidance while offering the individual more privacy and control over their day.
3. Risks Are Present — But Can Be Safely Managed With a Clear Plan
Risk is a natural part of everyone’s life. The important question in planning is not whether risks exist, but whether they can be reasonably addressed through technology, trained remote staff, and a well-defined backup response.
A person may be ready for Remote Supports if:
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They participate in safety planning and understand basic boundaries
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The team can identify specific triggers and appropriate responses
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Reliable in-person backup is available when remote staff determine on-site support is needed
With these pieces in place, Remote Supports can actually reduce risk. Remote staff provide consistent, awake monitoring and can identify patterns — such as wandering, late-night activity, or long periods without movement — before situations escalate.
4. They Use (or Are Open to Learning) Basic Technology
A person does not need to be tech-savvy to succeed with Remote Supports, but openness to simple technology is a positive sign. Comfort using a phone, tablet, or a button-based device is often enough to begin. Even if someone isn’t fully confident yet, willingness to learn is what truly matters.
Skills that support readiness include:
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Answering a call or responding to a prompt
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Pushing a button when needing support
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Being comfortable with sensors or small devices in the home
Teams can introduce training sessions long before Remote Supports officially begin. If the person is curious, willing to try new tools, and has a history of learning routines over time, they are likely to do well with technology-supported services.
5. In-Person Staff Presence Creates Stress, Conflict, or Stagnation
For some individuals, constant physical staff presence can create unnecessary tension. This is especially true for people who value personal space, become overstimulated easily, or feel their autonomy slipping away. Signs may include:
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Escalations that occur more often when staff are physically present
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The person spending more time outside the home or isolating in their room
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Skill development slowing because staff unintentionally “over-support”
In these cases, Remote Supports can relieve pressure, reduce power struggles, and promote a healthier dynamic. With remote staff available as needed — rather than in the home at all times — people often experience greater calm, confidence, and ownership of their routines.
Putting It All Together in the Planning Process
If several of these signs are true for someone on your caseload, it may be time to explore Remote Supports as part of a person-centered plan. A typical next step includes:
- A discovery or assessment conversation focused on the person’s goals, daily routines, and concerns.
- A team meeting to identify which tasks and hours are best suited for Remote Supports.
- A pilot period blending Remote Supports with traditional services and adjusting based on real data, feedback, and observed trends.
When done well, Remote Supports are not about reducing help. They are about redesigning support in a way that increases independence, dignity, and safety — all on the person’s terms.
