Transition/Diversion from Institutions

States seek to streamline access to HCBS in order to expedite and simplify the experience of consumers seeking services so that they receive the services they need in community settings, preventing or delaying the need for institutional care. The design of the Washington long-term support system for older adults and people with physical disabilities provides examples for other states interested in simplifying or expediting access to long-term supports.

This tool kit was developed at the request of volunteers, advocates, self-advocates, and professionals concerned with preserving the remarkable progress made towards the inclusion of people with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities into the mainstream of community life in America. To fight disinformation and segregation, this tool kit provides the philosophy, policy and research rationale that supports community supports and services for all people with disabilities.

The WV Real Choice Systems Change Project and WVATS are providing incentive funding to parent/family based organizations. These funds will be awarded to organizations such as Parent Educator Resource Centers, WV Parent Training and Information, Family Resource Networks and other family-based organizations to implement best practices in middle and secondary education regarding youth transition that uses a person-centered approach. Applications are due September 15, 2005.

This report provides an overview of the NFT initiatives implemented by 18 of the FY ‘01 and FY ‘02 Systems Change Grantees. It describes their differing approaches to nursing facility diversion and/or transition within a framework of the key steps needed to create programs that are integrated into a state’s LTC system. This report also identifies the transition challenges and policy issues states and ILCs are facing, and discusses the implications for moving forward with rebalancing efforts.

The Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) prepared <i>A Consumer Guide for Planning Your Move from a Nursing Home</i>. This comprehensive guidebook assists with the relocation decisions as consumers transition from nursing homes into the community.

This call hosted Emily Fuerste, Executive Director of the No Place Like Home Communities in Minnesota. The NPLHC creates supportive affordable housing for adults with disabilities, helping build financial and emotional equity in independent lives as they travel the road to their full potential. Their goal is to develop a rent-to-own model which will allow all people with disabilities to gain financial equity.

The Delaware Passport to Independence goals are to: identify residents of nursing homes who may want to move to a new home; interview and assess residents for possible community living; explore if it’s feasible for some residents to transition; create an Individualized Service Plan for those choosing to be considered. They have created a number of tools during the project development including an education outreach presentation, assessment form and survey tool.

South Carolina developed a simplified provider agreement to make Medicaid enrollment easier for providers that normally do not provide Medicaid services. The State piloted the agreement in an Independence Plus Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver and in a Nursing Home Transition Grant. The six-item agreement contains only the minimum federal requirements for Medicaid providers and can allow Medicaid participants to receive services, equipment, etc. from non-traditional providers.

This is the second in a series of newsletters produced at the Exchange to provide assistance to our CMS Real Systems Change grantees. This newsletter is produced biannually. Topics include: Connecting the Dots: Maryland; Money Follows the Person: Grantee Meeting in Nevada; Information Technology (IT) Systems Survey for Single Point of Entry; Housing Work Group Established for Real Choice Grantees; Children’s Mental Health Audio Conference.

Passport to Independence is a federally-funded pilot project led by Delaware Health and Social Services’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). The overall goal of the program is to identify, inform and assist nursing home residents, especially those who are Medicaid-eligible, who want to move to a new home by offering individualized case management to accomplish the goal. Review the Program Brochure Nursing Home Transition Brochure and Transition Guide.