Scope: Home Modification Project-State

In May of 2007, Kentucky was awarded a Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Grant in the amount of $49,831,530 from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement a "Money Follows the Person" (rebalancing) program in Kentucky. The purpose of the grant is to facilitate transition of and to provide sustainable community based services to individuals who choose to move from Medicaid funded long term care settings (ICFs/MR and nursing facilities) into the community. All Medicaid eligible individuals who are receiving Medicaid services in an ICF/MR or a Nursing Facility and who have been in the institutional setting (or a combination of hospitalization and institutionalization) for a minimum of ninety (90) consecutive days (excluding Medicare covered days for short term rehabilitation) are eligible to transition. Medicaid waivers will provide transition and community based services to individuals who fall into one of the following groups: Individuals who are elderly and/or physically disabled; individuals who have intellectual disability and/or a developmental disability; or individuals who have an acquired brain injury after the initial year of MFP community based services. An important component of successful transition involves returning to a residence that is accessible to the individual. Independent living for these individuals necessitates that their home environment be appropriate to their needs. Architectural barriers, such as stairs, narrow entrances, or inaccessible environmental controls, can result in an unsafe living situation. In some cases, ramps may need to be built for physical access, or doorways may need to be widened. Some individuals may need modifications to their bathrooms or kitchens for safety in performing activities of daily living. Other individuals may require an installation of environmental controls managed via switch or remote for things such as lighting and temperature alteration. Therefore, home modification assessments and services are considered a crucial one time service provided during pre-transition, as outlined in overall grant. The Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky is well suited to provide home modification services for participants of this grant. The Human Development Institute is a part of a nationwide network of University Centers for Excellence, established by federal legislation to promote team-based approaches to providing services for individuals with disabilities and their families. The Human Development has a history of expertise in the areas of transition, community integration, and rehabilitation technology.