Regional Partnerships for the Vermont Nursing Home Diversion Project Begins

Agency of Human Services' Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living Announces Regional Partnerships for the Vermont Nursing Home Diversion Project
Waterbury, VT-- (October 3, 2008) Vermont's Nursing Home Diversion Project (NHDP), a demonstration project funded by the federal Administration on Aging, is fully underway, Secretary of the Agency of Human Services Cynthia D. LaWare announced today.
The Agency's Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) is working in partnership with two Area Agencies on Aging-Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) and Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont (COASEV)-to deliver NHDP services to older Vermonters in Windsor, Windham, Washington, Lamoille and Orange counties.
"We are very pleased to announce the selection of CVCOA and COASEV to partner with DAIL in implementing this important program at the regional level," said Secretary LaWare. "Both of these Area Agencies on Aging bring extensive knowledge and a strong track record of service to older individuals, and I am confident they will help us make the NHDP program a true success."
The focus of DAIL's partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging is the delivery of supportive services to help older Vermonters remain in their communities and avoid nursing home placement. Eligible individuals must be at least 60 years old, at high risk of nursing home placement due to declining health and the increased need for personal care or other assistance, and ineligible for financial assistance from Long Term Care Medicaid. Family caregivers may also receive caregiver respite assistance and supportive services through the NHDP program.
"People receiving services through the NHDP will receive personalized assistance from case managers, individualized assessments, and may receive additional supportive services designed to meet their individual needs, such as extra support in accessing personal care, homemaker, adult day or caregiver respite help, or transportation assistance," added DAIL Commissioner Joan Senecal. "DAIL is excited about these new partnerships and bringing NHDP services directly to Vermont communities served by CVCOA and COASEV."
For more information about the Vermont Nursing Home Diversion Project, please contact the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living at 802-241-2628.
For information specific to Washington, Lamoille and Orange counties, contact the Central Vermont Council on Aging at 802-479-0531. For Windsor and Windham counties, call Council on Aging of Southeastern Vermont at 802-885-2655.
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