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Ocean
State Center for Independent Living
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The Community Living Option Program Since 1998, OSCIL’s Community Living Option Program has provided assistance to persons with disabilities to move from the nursing home setting to a less restrictive environment. OSCIL’s knowledgeable staff works with each person to establish personal goals for independence and identify specific steps to address those goals. Some of these support systems may include: finding accessible housing, establishing community connections, securing personal care attendant services and other community support services, accessing public transportation services, acquiring appropriate assistive technology and securing home safety devices. Essentially, OSCIL will provide assistance with any service that may be required to facilitate a safe transition back into the community. Numerous studies around the country are showing that people with even very significant disabilities are able to live safely and comfortably in their own homes or apartments, with the right supports. And many people report being happier and healthier when they have their independence and own home environment. Why the community living option? Many individuals may have initially been placed in a nursing home because of their medical condition. This initial placement was considered a medical necessity. However, once medically stable, a person may continue to reside in an institutional setting only because of lack of knowledge of the community living option. They or their families may not have been aware of the array of support services that are available for people to live independently. The community living option IS an option to many persons with disability who, with basic community support services, can live and enjoy life outside the restriction of the nursing home setting. OSCIL’s program serves persons with disabilities who are very capable of living more independent lives. There is no cost to the individual or family participating in the community living option program. There may be costs associated with home modifications and adaptive equipment. General eligibility requirements include:
Why move out of a nursing home? There is a national movement among people with disabilities, of all ages, who receive long-term care, to get out of nursing homes. To make it possible for people to do this, there is a developing effort toward the community living option. Spiraling health care costs and the numbers of people who are getting older make this necessary. At the same time, more people are realizing that they have a right to live where they choose. The changing trend of community living is opening up more possibilities every day. However, if you are considering moving out of a nursing home or other facility, you may face considerable challenges. You may be working with a service coordinator or case manager who is not familiar with community resources, or you and your family may be left to your own devices to sort out what to do. The Mission of the Ocean State Center for Independent Living Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) is a consumer controlled, community based, nonprofit organization established in 1988 to provide a range of independent living services to enhance, through self direction, the quality of life of Rhode Islanders with significant disability and to promote integration into the community. OSCIL and its experienced staff are available to assist persons with disabilities, their family and friends, service providers and the community at large with a variety of information that may help to break down barriers and increase access in home and community. If you are interested in knowing more about the community living option or other services at the Center, please feel free to contact OSCIL at 401-738-1013, Toll Free 1-866-857-1161 or 401-738-1015 TTY (for the Deaf and hard of hearing). OSCIL can be reached by e-mail at: info@oscil.org
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