A recent New York Times article talked about how state programs now facilitate the elderly moving from nursing homes back to homes. There are 29 such state programs. I had never heard of this. Immediately my mind starting listing out the pros and cons. Then I thought of a very personal experience I had had over 30 years ago. My dear Aunt Dora at the age of 80 (widowed and childless) was hospitalized with a heart attack. Before she was released to go home, her brother went through her lovely home, threw most of her treasured items out on the lawn and sold her house. When Aunt Dora was released from the hospital, she was taken to his home for about a year, then put in a care (nursing) home. Her brother retained all of her assets, and she later died in that nursing home. You probably have heard similar horror stories.
So, as I read this article, I thought what if my Aunt Dora had had the chance to leave the nursing home and live independently. Based on what my mother had told me, she might have had a few years in which she could have gone back to living independently and with dignity. She took good care of her home/garden and dressed impeccably. I can still recall her beautiful white bun and her warmth. You can tell, she was my favorite aunt!
I want to share the key points of this NYTimes article, “Helping the Elderly Leave Nursing Homes for a Home”.
I want to answer the questions. What is this concept? Why would you or your loved one consider this option? How does this option work?
What is the concept of an elderly person leaving a nursing home for a home?
- A person must be in a nursing home for more than six months.
- Medicaid has teamed up with 29 states to finance the programs needed to help low-income elderly receive “nursing home” type services in their own homes.
- Example: Pennsylvania provides up to $4,000 in moving expenses, including funds for furniture and home modifications. A typical elderly person would also receive the services of a care manager and daily visits by a home health aide.
Why would you or your loved one consider this option?
- Sometimes, a person doesn’t need long-term care in a nursing home, but end up there by default. An example is if a person is not recovering quickly enough from a stroke, broken hip, etc. After 60 days in the nursing home, Medicare no longer pays. Medicaid kicks in and their Social Security goes to the nursing home. If they receive no support from family members, they may find their home/apartment gone ….just like my Aunt Dora.
- If an elderly person is once again able to live independently with adequate and funded support services, this would be an option.
- If the person values their independence, being out in their community, and being able to structure their own days, this option may afford them a better quality of life. Remember perception is reality. No matter how good we may personally think a nursing home is for someone, if it does not fit their personal needs and there is another viable option, we need to respect their wishes and consider it.
How does this option work?
- Know that federal law requires states to provide nursing home services. They don’t have to provide home or community-based services, so this is a step in a new direction.
- Each participating state has its own program, called Money Follows the Person. The federal government provides extra financing the first year.
- This is how one state, Connecticut, helps an individual go from a nursing home to a home. Transition coordinators are available for one-to-one assistance (finding community support, navigating systems, accessing resources, and finding housing). Some funds are available to help set up a household and provide rental assistance. Individualized care plans are created based on need.
Of course, many people ask why there is a requirement that the individual be in a nursing home for 6 months before they can quality for such programs. Why can’t these programs kick in sooner? Also some experts are concerned that the programs will actually shift the burden of expenses onto family members.
This is yet another important option to be aware of and to consider with the elderly. If you are reading this post, you are likely a strong advocate for your aging parent and looking out for their best interests. But, keep this tucked away in the back of your mind. You may be able to share this information with another relative, neighbor or friend.
Source: “Helping Elderly Leave Nursing Homes for a Home”, NYTimes, September 29, 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/health/policy/19aging.html
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A reader asked me to list the states with the transition program, “Money that Follows the Person” program.
Follow this link to see the Health&Human Services web page summarizing the program.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DeficitReductionAct/20_MFP.asp
In that document, you will find a link to a 180 page .pdf document, listing all the states and details about their programs.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DeficitReductionAct/downloads/StateMFPGrantSummaries-All.pdf
Very well-done, Dale – Money Follows the Person is sort of a complicated program to explain but you’ve presented the information in a way that’s easy to understand! It’s also a program that is not widely known, so thanks for sharing the information. Through my full-time work with the Alzheimer’s Association in PA, I’ve attended a lot of meetings at the Dept of Aging or Dept of Public Welfare where they have shared the latest statistics on who is using the MFP dollars in the state and how successful these transitions have been. It’s a great program if it works for your loved one!
Is New York one of the 29 states that offer the at-home option? Where can i find more information on the Money Follows the Person program?
Long Island Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer,
It does appear that New York offers this option.
Follow this link to see the Health&Human Services web page summarizing the program.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DeficitReductionAct/20_MFP.asp
In that document, you will find a link to a 180 page .pdf document, listing all the states and details about their programs.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DeficitReductionAct/downloads/StateMFPGrantSummaries-All.pdf
(I see New York listed in the Table of Contents)