Transition to Independence

Transitioning from Nursing Homes to Community

OSCIL’s program, Transitioning to Independence, will provide assistance to persons with severe disabilities who wish to live in a less restrictive environment. Individuals inappropriately placed in nursing homes who wish to live on their own can request assistance from OSCIL to move from the nursing home to a less restrictive environment of their choice. OSCIL will assist the individual with the community connections and support services necessary for a safe transition into the community.

Some persons with severe disabilities, especially younger individuals, are living in nursing homes due to a lack of knowledge of community resources such as accessible housing, assistive technology, community supports, and personal care attendant services. Although they may feel that their placement in residential care is inappropriate and are motivated to live independently, they do not know how to obtain the services and supports that would allow them to move out of the nursing home.

Our Transitioning to Independence program enables consumers to explore their options for living more independently. OSCIL will work with the consumer to secure the services, housing, and in some cases, assistive technology necessary for a successful transition into the community.

During the past two years, OSCIL has assisted eight consumers in relocating from nursing homes into less restrictive environments. OSCIL also works with area nursing homes to educate staff about the independent living philosophy and the various support services and assistive technology that allows individuals to live more independently. For further information on this program, please call the OSCIL office.