Independent Living Options
There's No Place Like Home
For individuals who are eligible for UPCAP's MIChoice Waiver programs, our Care Managers can call on specialized MIChoice Waiver services as needs arise for housing or new care settings.
The purpose of these services, like Care Management and the MIChoice Waiver programs, are to:
• prevent or delay a move to a nursing facility
• assist nursing facility residents who wish to move back to a home or community setting.
Residential Services Counselors and Nursing Facility Transition Housing Coordinators as well as staff from the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) may be able to help you:
- stay in your existing home
- locate a new home or apartment
- move to a community-based setting such as an Adult Foster Care or Home for the Aged
- move from a nursing home to any of the above.
Residential Services
Beginning July 2009, individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the MIChoice Waiver program may receive their long-term care services in licensed Adult Foster Care homes (AFCs) and Homes for the Aged (HFAs). For existing residents of one of these homes, MIChoice Waiver services may be available to supplement the "usual and customary" care one currently receives so they may remain at their "home." Residents must meet MIChoice eligibility criteria.
This new long-term care options may allow an AFC/HFA to take in or keep a resident who may otherwise be headed for a nursing facility.
For more information on this Residential Services program:
Upper Peninsula Residents can dial "2-1-1"
Others can call 1-800-338-1119
Rotary Callers: 1-800-305-8317
Calls are toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day
Housing Locator
To support UPCAP's goal to promote independent living for as long as possible, Housing Locator services can help prevent or delay nursing home placement and allow nursing home residents to return to a home or community setting.
The U.P. Housing Coordinator has contacts in each county with public housing authorities, housing comissions, property management companies, realtors, landlords, etc. Care Managers notify the U.P. Housing Coordinator as housing needs are identified for their MIChoice Waiver participants.
Staff from the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) may also be called upon to assist with housing needs. SAIL specializes in assistive technology and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
For more information on Independent Housing Options:
Upper Peninsula Residents can dial "2-1-1"
Others can call 1-800-338-1119
Rotary Callers: 1-800-305-8317
Calls are toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day
Nursing Facility Transition Services
Michigan receives federal grants from programs such as Nursing Facility Transition Initiative and Money Follows the Person in an effort to bring balance to its long-term care system and lessen reliance on facility-based care.
Under state contract, UPCAP's team of Care Managers, 2-1-1 staff, NF Housing Coordinator, Residential Services Counselors, and others such as staff from the Superior Alliance for Independent Living, work to educate the public and providers on how UPCAP services support independent living under these initiatives.
Nursing Facility Transition Services are specifically designed to assist current nursing home residents to return to their home or other community settings to receive their long-term care services. While nursing homes provide extremely valuable long-term care services, some people currenty residing in a nursing home might benefit from receiving their long-term care services in a less restrictive setting.
UPCAP and SAIL have specially trained staff to help nursing home residents and their families determine if the transition options may be a realistic and appropriate option for them.
