This consumer is a 54-year old male who has CP having limited mobility and utilizes a power wheelchair in home and community. When we met him, he was residing in a skilled nursing facility because of several physical problems and severe depression because his wife, who was his primary care giver, was hospitalized.
The consumer, along with the nursing home social worker, contacted OSCIL looking for assistance with transitioning the consumer from the nursing home back into the community. An Independent Living Assessment was conducted by OSCIL staff and it was found that the consumer was homeless as his apartment would no longer fit his needs (and the building had been sold). The IL Assessment also revealed that the consumer would require Home Health Care to assist with ADL care including, bathing, dressing and meal preparation, as the consumer’s wife was no longer able to assist him on her own.
A transition team meeting with the consumer, determined he wished to transition from the nursing home to accessible housing in the community. OSCIL staff discussed accessible housing options that would maximize his independence. He was also provided with information regarding services through Medicaid for long-term care and home health services.
His goals were:
- Moving into accessible housing.
- Apply for Medicaid.
- Connection to community resources to once again be involved in community activities.
OSCIL was able to locate a wheelchair accessible apartment for the consumer and he was discharged from the Nursing Home in August, 2018. He was also approved for Medicaid services. He lives with his wife in his new apartment and receives 42 hours per week for home health services including: bathing, dressing, meal preparation and errands. OSCIL staff worked with the housing complex advocating for a wheelchair accessible bathroom, and after consideration, the complex renovated the bathroom through bath-fitters to best meet the consumer’s needs. OSCIL staff was in continuous contact with consumer through visits and phone calls. OSCIL staff are currently still working with the consumer to assist him to receive in-home counseling services through a local agency. Consumer had assessment for shower chair and is awaiting its approval and delivery.