The document discusses Michigan's plan to transition approximately 3,100 elderly people and disabled individuals out of nursing facilities and into community-based housing and services by the end of 2011. It notes that 44% of those transitioning will be elderly, 29% will have physical disabilities, 20% intellectual/developmental disabilities, and 7% will have mental illness. It emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of housing and service options available through programs like the MI Choice waiver to help people avoid nursing home placement or transition out of facilities.

1. Nursing Facility Transitions
FALL 2009 Newsletter: “Choices, Choices, Choices! It is ALL
David E. Layne about our consumers having more choices!”
(248) 770-1950
Housing Coordinator The State of Michigan anticipates 3100 elderly people and those over 18 years
of age with disabilities, will “transition” out of nursing facilities by the end of
David.Layne@
2011. Many have been “stuck” there not knowing the alternatives now
morcinc.org
available to them: Assisted living, adult foster care homes, homes for the aged,
subsidized housing- senior housing and affordable housing options as well as
possibly staying in their own home or with a loved one.
www.MORCHome
• About 44% of the individuals who transfer will be older
Care.org
adults (elderly)
• 29% will be individuals with physical disabilities
• 20% will be individuals with intellectual / developmental
16200 19 Mile Road
disabilities
• And about 7% will have mental illness
P.O. Box 380710
• 3100 are expected to transition in Michigan by the end of
Clinton Township, MI
2011
48038
- Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration
Fax (586) 228-7029
A Q & A for Public Housing Authorities -Developed by the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in cooperation with
the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(Complete letter & Q & A available on request)
“Home and Community based services for the elderly & disabled in
Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair & Washtenaw Counties” Page 1

2. Nursing Facility Transitions
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimate that people 65 years old and older are projected
to increase from 12.4% of our population in 2000 to 19.6% by 2030 as the Baby Boomer generation
ages. That represents an increase from 35 million in the
United States to over 70 million people over 65.
Programs … Designed to increase choices
“There are alternatives for
The MI Choice Waiver Program is a comprehensive
our elderly and those with
community based in-home services program
designed for eligible persons who are medically disabilities over 18 years of
appropriate for nursing home placement. (Medicaid age. We need to keep getting
eligibility required) the word out through ALL of
The Michigan Department of Community Health lists
the wonderful advocacy
effective October 1, 2009 the following waiting list priority groups serving these
categories in descending order of priority: populations”. - Marcia
• Persons no longer eligible for Children’s Special Marklin, MORC Home Care
Health Care Services because of age. Program Manager
• Nursing Facility Transition participants.
• Current Adult Protective Service clients.
• Chronological order by date services were
requested.
Services that may be provided with MI Choice funds:
Adult day care, chore services, counseling services, environmental modifications, home delivered
meals, homemaker services, medical equipment- supplies, personal care waiver, personal
emergency response systems, private duty nursing, respite care, training, transportation.
- Benita Hughes, Residential Care Manager / Social Worker
Why is it so important that our fellow advocacy groups help get the word out to families
potentially dealing with these choices? 1- Whether elderly or with disabilities, the waiting list can be
1 year plus! We must educate these populations on their options so they can try to stay ahead of their
needs. 2- As you can see from the State’s priorities listed above, many in Nursing Facilities now (and
some facing “imminent risk” of Nursing Home Placement) will get to move up the waiting list.
“Together we can make a model of Michigan’s MI Choice program!”
“Home and Community based services for the elderly & disabled in
Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair & Washtenaw Counties” Page 2