Community Living—Explore the Possibilities

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Community Living—Explore the Possibilities April 2014

Housing Choices are based on the type of

living arrangement that best suits

your loved ones’ needs. These

include provider managed

group homes, supervised or

supported apartments.

Homes are made accessible as

needed (ramps, roll‐in showers,

etc.).

Individuals, families and

guardians have input into the

geographic location of the

home.

Group homes support up to four

individuals. Each person has

their own bedroom and share

the common areas of the home.

Transportation is provided for all residents of the home.

There is no monetary responsibility for families or guardians.

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Support Staff Staff must go

through a back‐

ground check and

fingerprinting.

Staff are required to

have NJ’s pre‐

service training ,

which includes an

overview of

Developmental

Disabilities,

preventing abuse

and neglect,

medication overview,

CPR/first aid and Danielle’s Law. Providers may require

additional training as needed based on individual needs.

Staffing is determined based on individual needs; many

require 24/7 and/or one to one support staff.

Cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry and other household

tasks are performed by staff. Staff include residents in all

aspects of running the home. Individuals may choose to

participate.

People have a chance to become like family.

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Medical Medical appointments are made by

the provider agency staff.

Individuals are transported by staff

who also attend the medical visit.

Families may choose to participate

in medical visits.

Physical therapists, occupational

therapists, speech therapists,

behavioral and psychological

supports are available in the

community.

Many providers have nurses and

behaviorists on staff.

Individuals with feeding tubes and

tracheostomies are supported in the

community.

All medical needs can be met in the community.

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Activities Traditional and medical day

programs, individualized or

self‐directed day activities

(in and out of the home

based on the person’s needs

and preferences).

Providers have recreational

and social calendars for the

people they support.

Division of Vocational

Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)

provides supported

employment, job coaching and

training.

People may also choose to

volunteer within their

community.

New Jersey is now an Employment First state.

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Follow‐up is done in partnership to assure an

individual’s quality of life.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance follow‐up visits begin shortly after an

individual moves to insure their health, safety and well being.

Visits occur 30/60/90 days, with a Quality of Life survey during

years 1 and 2.

Visits may

include the

individual and

family

members,

guardians,

DDD’s

Community

Case Managers

(CCM),

Return Home New Jersey (RHNJ) Coordinators/Developmental

Center Transitional Case Managers (TCM), and the provider

agency.

There is continued oversight from the CCM, DDD’s Office of

Licensing and Quality Management and Planning, internal

agency quality assurance and municipal agencies.

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Emergencies In the event of a medical emergency, agency staff will call 911

and will accompany the person to the hospital. Family mem‐

bers/guardians are notified of the emergency.

Evacuation plans are in place for all residents; everyone must

be able to get out in three minutes.

Evacuation drills are practiced once per month on all three

shifts.

All agencies have plans and procedures in place

in case of an emergency.

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Aging in Place As a person’s needs change

(medical, behavioral, or self‐

care) their supports and

services may need to be

reassessed. This will enable a

person to remain in their home.

Ranch style homes are

encouraged by the Division of

Developmental Disabilities as a

way to assure that a person can

age in place.

Everyone deserves to be supported at home.

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Family Member Comments About Community Living

“Look into it, give it a chance. You will get more comfortable. I am glad we did it and am thankful he’s happy.” “You’ll know when it’s right – the right place, time, and people. Just don’t get discouraged. We had to wait and trust in God’s Plan. We had to be patient for it to happen because the process was long.” “If you are open for a change – then go for it …there are many services.” “Be patient with the process.” “Seeing Robby laugh and smile again. We’re thrilled with basically everything….the total freedom is just incredible….we can have input into everything.”

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About CLEP CLEP works with people with developmental disabilities, their families, and staff as they explore the possibility of community living. CLEP is committed to the goal of helping individuals and those that care about them understand what’s available in the community. CLEP can arrange a group home visit and accompany those Developmental Center families interested to see an example of community living. CLEP partners with the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, NJ Community Providers and others in supporting individuals and their families in exploring community living.

—————————————————————————— Community Living Education Project Staff Members

Project Director

David Wright, PhD, MS Principal Investigator Training Specialist Bernadette West, PhD, MA Sheilah M. Garry Co‐Principal Investigator Training Specialist Susan R. Hammerman, PhD, MA Ann C. Martinelli, BA Training and Consultation Specialist Communications Manager Natalie C. Trump, BS Antoinette S. Johnson, MAEd

Secretary

Margaret Mitchell

CLEP is funded by a grant provided by the New Jersey State Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities

Community Living Education Project School of Public Health

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 335 George Street, Liberty Plaza, Suite 2200

New Brunswick, NJ 08901 800.500.0448 toll‐free number

732.235.3277 main number 732.235.5434 fax number

web.sph.rutgers.edu/linkweb [email protected]

Community Living—Explore the Possibilities

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Transcript of Community Living—Explore the Possibilities