First introduced in August of 2023, the Massachusetts’ Community Transitions Liaison Program (CTLP) at Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands is making great strides. The program works to meet the needs of recovered adult patients of long-term care facilities who wish to return to living safely in the community. The CTLP team has enrolled a total of 230 adults into the program to date. The team has achieved remarkable success by helping 131 individuals transition back to the community by facilitating their discharge or connection to other state programs.
A shortage of affordable housing, especially on Cape Cod, is a major obstacle to the work of the CTLP team. Connor Breslin, Community Transition Liaison Program Supervisor, notes that the team has found positive results with adults who are willing to relocate outside of the area. The CTLP team has also been able to place some individuals using vouchers for Community Based Housing, a Massachusetts state program that provides financing at favorable rates to encourage the development of apartments for individuals with disabilities at risk of institutionalization, such as residents of nursing homes.
One recent success story was with Erik, age 72, who was a long-term resident of Bourne Manor Nursing Facility. Erik was unable to return home because his in-law apartment was not fully accessible and he needs homecare services to enable him to live independently and safely at home.
Fortunately, the CTLP team was able to enroll Erik in the “Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration.” Individuals may be eligible for the MFP Demonstration if they have been in a qualified nursing facility or long-stay hospital for at least 60 days, have MassHealth Standard or meet certain financial criteria, are a resident of Massachusetts, and are 18 years or older with a disability or are age 65 or older. The MFP Demonstration helps qualified individuals pay the expenses associated with moving to a new home, including moving costs, security deposits, utility deposits, and first month’s rent. Breslin reports that MFP Demonstration also pays for home or vehicle modifications, assistive technology, furnishings, and essential items for the home. For a brief overview of the program, follow this link: Money Follows the Person Demonstration | Mass.gov and view the brochure: MFP_ENG_0723.pdf (mass.gov).
Breslin notes that the modifications made to Erik’s home included the addition of a ramp, a walk-in shower, and other necessary upgrades so that the apartment would be wheelchair accessible. Thanks to the work of the CTLP team and the MFP Demonstration, Erik was able to safely return to his newly renovated home this August.