Aging/Older Adults

What do people considering enrolling in a self-directed program need to consider? This presentation describes many of the considerations in detail for those living in Louisiana. The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) is the service delivery option offered by the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities. The slides offer an overview of key components and responsibilities of self-direction.

This final evaluation report reviews the Maine ADRC project which began with three sites designed to demonstrate the \"no wrong door\" concept. Part I of this report describes the experience of, and recommendations from, the DASH Network in Bangor. Part II of the report focuses on the experience of the 3 local coalitions and their member organizations and highlights coalitions' community development activities and recommendations for future development.

ADRCs have used a number of strategies to streamline access to long-term services and supports. One key strategy, used by many ADRCs, is to provide online applications for Medicaid or screening tools to assess eligibility for benefits. This issue brief provides details about ADRC grant efforts related to online applications. The report details both advantages and challenges plus provides a case example for South Carolina.

Whether by establishing strong referral protocols with local or state veterans agencies or by serving veterans directly, ADRC staff should be trained to assist veterans who come to ADRCs for information, assistance, or referral. This Issue Brief includes an overview of veterans, the services and benefits offered by the VA, examples of productive collaborations between veterans agencies and ADRCs, and resources for ADRCs.

South Carolina hired an environmental modifications specialist to improve the quality of home modifications funded by its Medicaid HCBS waivers. The specialist trains case managers to develop specifications for ramps, and develops specifications for other home modifications so contractors can quickly make an informed bid. South Carolina also leveraged a state-funded home modification program to expand the types of modifications available in its waivers.

This report focuses on individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The project instituted a comprehensive system to support enduring changes in the delivery of community-based assistance for Medicaid eligible persons with dementia. The projects two goals: facilitate hospital-to-home transitions for individuals wishing to stay in the community; and field test a nursing home-to-community transition program for eligible individuals. The workbook used in discharge planner training is included.

This handbook documents the components of a successful information and assistance system. It is intended for use as a guide for service providers to develop or enhance their own I & A processes or to replicate the system utilized at Eldersource. Review their protocol for confidentiality, emergency calls, communications, reporting, plus sample job descriptions and resource list.

The booklet is a publication of the Louisiana Nursing Facility Transition Grant. It is a Self Assessment Transition guide to assist individuals in nursing facilities on how to start planning for a move to the community and obtaining the supports and services they will need. It includes contact information for available state programs, along with contacts for housing options.

This application offers a total of approximately $13 million in Real Choice Systems Change (RCSC) grants to qualifying States in two grant categories: State Profile Tool (SPT): Assessing a State's Long-Term Care System & Person-Centered Planning Implementation Grant. Persons with mental illnesses are noted as target populations for both grant categories. Applications are due by July 27, 2007.

The Guardian Mentor Program was set up, in part, to assist legal guardians with issues, concerns and questions that may arise in the first year after someone from a State Center transitions to the community. This brochure explains the guardian-to-guardian mentor program which including support, information and advocacy for legal guardians.