MASSACHUSETTS

Grant Information


Name of Grantee
Department of Mental Retardation
Division of Systems Integration
Title of Grant
The Massachusetts Bridges to Community Project
Type of Grant
Nursing Facility Transitions, State Program
Amount of Grant
$770,000
Year Original Funding Received
2001

Contact Information


Margaret Chow–Menzer
Assistant Commissioner
500 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
617-624-7703
margaret.chow–menzer@dmr.state.ma.us
www.dmr.state.ma.us

Subcontractor(s)

University of Massachusetts Medical School/Shriver Center
Margot Moomaw
781-643-0328

Seven Hills Foundation
Celia Brown
508-755-2340

Center for Living and Working in Worcester
Patricia Royea
508-363-1226

Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong
Ed Bielecki
781-585-2422

Target Population(s)


Individuals with a significant disability residing in nursing facilities in the greater Worcester area who fall within the "H, J, K" case mix (individuals representing the least severe medical/nursing acuity levels as rated on the MMQ which is the system by which Massachusetts establishes payment to nursing facility providers).

Goals


  • Transition individuals with a significant disability living in nursing facilities into community homes by increasing access and the availability of long–term community services and supports, and improving stability and success in the community by using a dedicated interdisciplinary, cross–disability team approach.
  • Increase access to, and availability of, affordable, accessible, and safe community housing options.
  • Develop family and community connections for individuals in nursing facilities to increase their awareness of community services and supports, increase motivation and desire to leave the nursing facility, and afford the greatest opportunity for involvement and the exercise of choice.
  • Develop a blueprint for interagency collaboration for identifying, developing, and coordinating housing for individuals transitioning out of nursing facilities.

Activities


  • Establish interagency, interdisciplinary case management team to assist individuals transitioning to the community.
  • Develop a coordinated housing strategy on a statewide basis and local strategies to secure accessible, affordable housing for individuals transitioning out of nursing facilities.
  • Link person–centered advocacy and self–determination groups with individuals transitioning from or considering transitions from nursing facilities to community living to provide direct support through peer mentors and community connections facilitators.
  • Educate the greater Worcester community to build community capacities to engage individuals transitioning from nursing facilities.
  • Establish a local citizen advisory committee composed of at least 51 percent of individuals with disabilities and families that will promote the independence of individuals to transition out of nursing facilities, and provide direct advice to the project.

Abstract


The Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation, with the cooperation and support of the Division of Medical Assistance, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Department of Public Health, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs will use the grant to transition individuals with a significant disability from nursing facilities in the greater Worcester area to community living.

The 3–year project, known as the Massachusetts Bridges to Community Project, will examine the impact that three specific variables might have on the success of transitioning individuals out of nursing facilities and having them successfully remain in community settings. The three variables are: a dedicated interdisciplinary case management team approach; focused housing search along with expansion of housing options; and participation of individuals in the project management structure along with inclusion of peer mentoring, self advocacy organizations, and community education.

Year 1 of the project will include the following activities: establishing the project team; hiring the peer mentoring and self advocacy organizations; establishing the local citizen advisory committee and the interagency steering committee that will oversee policy direction; reviewing the Minimum Data Set in the state and other information to identify the individuals who will be targeted for this project; developing a working and collaborative relationship with the nursing home industry as well as local town and city officials, community service agencies, housing agencies, providers and developers, and faith–based organizations; and creating the methodology to evaluate the implementation of the project.

Years 2 and 3 will be focused on transitioning individuals out of nursing facilities, securing adequate and appropriate supports to assure success in the community, identifying community service gaps (including housing), and compiling data to evaluate project process and outcomes.

 

 

 

HOME  |  Site maintained by HCBS  | Privacy Policy |  Report any problems to Webmaster