Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Nursing Facility Transitions Program
Disability Advocates of Kent County’s mission is to “to advocate and facilitate action by persons living with disabilities and the community to achieve equal access for all.”

As a Center for Independent Living, we provide four core services: information and referral, independent living skills building, advocacy, and peer support. There are numerous programs available to provide these services, one of which is the Nursing Facility Transitions Program.

The Nursing Facility Transitions (NFT) Program assists persons with disabilities in moving out of institutional settings to living as independently as possible in the community. An assessment is done to determine eligibility (Medicaid recipient with enough income to support oneself out in the community), the level of supports needed and the individual’s goals and desires related to the move. Every situation is assessed individually, and all services are tailored to meet one’s unique needs. It is all about finding the right options and services for the individual. A Person Centered Plan is developed which guides the rest of the journey. Following the individual’s lead, housing and transportation options are identified, as well as services and personal items needed. Family members and other support persons for the individual are actively involved in the transitions process.

The transitions worker supports the individual through the entire process, and is able to follow the person along for six months after the actual move in order to assure all needs are met.

For more information on the NFT Program, feel free to contact Kathy Carlile at Disability Advocates of Kent County, either by phone, 616-949-1100 x 225, or at kathy.c@dakc.us.



No comments:

Post a Comment