Home Choice: A Program to Help You Transition from Institutional Care to Community Living
If you or your loved one are living in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home, hospital, or intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID), and want to move back to your home or a community setting of your choice, you might want to learn more about Home Choice, a program that helps Ohioans transition from institutional care to community living.
What is Home Choice?
Home Choice is a program that was launched in 2008 by the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) as part of the federal Money Follows the Person (MFP) initiative. The goal of the program is to help eligible Ohioans transition from institutional settings to home and community-based settings, where they can receive services and supports that meet their needs and preferences. Home Choice also aims to reduce the reliance on institutional care and promote the development of community-based alternatives.
Who is eligible for Home Choice?
To be eligible for Home Choice, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in Medicaid.
- Have lived in a long-term care facility for at least 90 consecutive days (excluding Medicare rehabilitation days).
- Be able to move to a qualified residence, such as a house, apartment, or assisted living facility.
- Have a person-centered service plan that shows that you can live safely in the community with the services and supports available through Home Choice.
Read more about How to Shop for Quality Bedding and Blankets Online with homechoice
What benefits does Home Choice offer?
Home Choice offers a variety of benefits to help you transition from institutional care to community living, such as:
- Transition coordination: A transition coordinator will work with you, your family, and your care team to plan and arrange your move.
- Transition funds: You can receive up to $2,000 to pay for expenses related to your move, such as security deposits, furniture, household items, etc.
- Community-based services: You can receive services and supports that are tailored to your needs and preferences, such as personal care, homemaking, transportation, etc.
- Enhanced community living: You can enjoy more independence, choice, and control over your life in the community.
How to apply for Home Choice?
If you are interested in applying for Home Choice, you can follow these steps:
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) and ask for a Home Choice referral. You can find their contact information on the Home Choice website.
- Complete an assessment with a Home Choice assessor to determine your eligibility and service needs.
- Work with a transition coordinator to develop a person-centered service plan and arrange your move.
- Move to your new home and receive community-based services and supports.
Conclusion
Home Choice is a program that helps Ohioans transition from institutional care to community living. It offers various benefits, such as transition coordination, transition funds, community-based services, and enhanced community living. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in Medicaid, have lived in a long-term care facility for at least 90 days, be able to move to a qualified residence, and have a person-centered service plan. If you want to apply for Home Choice, you can contact your local AAA or DRO and ask for a referral. Home Choice can help you achieve your goal of living in the community with dignity and respect.
