Transition From Institution To Community Living

The purpose of this program is to assist persons with disabilities who are living in nursing homes, intermediate care facilities for mental retardation, or other types of institutions, to relocate into a community-based living environment.

Goals

  • To educate persons with disabilities about their choices for community-based living.
  • To teach persons with disabilities decision-making skills.
  • To teach persons with disabilities to be their own advocates as they deal with all of the people involved in a transition.
  • To teach persons with disabilities the skills necessary for them to live in the community.
  • To help persons with disabilities to identify community resources.
Contact Information
Staff Name: Julie Alexander
Title: Nursing Home Transition Program Project Coordinator
Phone: 414-226-8378 (V/Relay), 414-291-7520 (V/TTY)
E-mail: Julie Alexander

Program Availability
IndependenceFirst provides nursing home transition services in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. Currently three (3) staff work on nursing home transition. IndependenceFirst has a short waiting list at this time. The size of our waiting list varies depending upon demand and the availability of staff.

Q&A

Who is this program for?
The Relocation Program serves any person with a disability living in any type of institution who wants to relocate from that institution into community-based living.

Type of Assistance/Information
This program can provide advocacy assistance, skills training, and assistance in helping to understand and utilize federal, state and county programs during the transition process.

Eligibility Requirements
There are no specific eligibility requirements for persons who are interested. However, for those in need of state and county assistance, in order to be eligible for those services, the person must have been in an institution for at least three (3) months.

Types of classes Offered (Individual or Group)
The Relocation Program offers individualized services. We do have a nursing home transition peer group that meets on a regular basis.

Consumer Responsibilities/Expectations
Participants are expected to be actively involved in their transition planning. They are to work with staff on determining goals and will be responsible for helping make sure that their goals become reality.

Cost
There is no charge for nursing home transition services. There may be a small cost for peer group activities.

Publications and Resources