Gov. Blagojevich proclaims Supportive Living Week

Recognizes impact of state Medicaid assisted-living program for seniors and people with disabilities

[May 02, 2008]  CHICAGO -- Recognizing the increasingly important role that alternative housing options and health care are providing for seniors and people with physical disabilities, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich proclaimed the week of April 28 to May 2 as Supportive Living Week in Illinois. There are currently 95 supportive living facilities with more than 7,400 apartments operating throughout Illinois, with another 52 facilities and 4,400 apartments in the process of becoming operational.

Illinois developed its Supportive Living Program as an alternative under Medicaid to nursing home care for low-income people 65 and older and people 22 and older with physical disabilities. By combining apartment-style housing with personal care and other health and wellness services, residents can live independently and take part in decision-making. Personal choice, dignity, privacy and individuality are all emphasized through the program. Because of the program's success, there are plans to continue expansion.

"It's important that we develop more living options for low-income older people and people with disabilities. Having these choices provides people with dignity and compassionate care," said Blagojevich. "Not only do these efforts provide safe, supportive and affordable living options for residents, they also work to save the state money by providing alternatives to costly nursing home care."

In Illinois, Medicaid is managed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, which has obtained a home and community-based services waiver under federal law to allow payment for services that are not routinely covered by Medicaid, including personal care, homemaking, laundry, medication supervision and 24-hour staff to meet residents' scheduled and unscheduled needs. The resident is responsible for paying the cost of room and board at the facility. Each supportive living facility must also regularly assess each resident's health status and consult with the resident on an ongoing service plan that promotes health and wellness.

Due to the program's success and the continuing need for these services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services will soon be accepting applications for supportive living facilities in targeted geographic areas. Applications will be sought in multiple phases for specific areas of the state. Proposed supportive living facilities for people age 22-64 with physical disabilities will be accepted from any part of the state. Interested parties will need to complete an application for the department's review and submit documentation, among other requirements. The department will provide more detailed information by written notice and also by posting an announcement at www.slfillinois.com.

"In Illinois, we have been successful in making the Medicaid model of assisted living a reality in the marketplace," said Barry Maram, director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. "Under Governor Blagojevich's leadership, this program has produced tremendous results for both the individuals it serves and the state of Illinois."

"There are a growing number of low-income senior citizens who need a greater array of flexible home and community-based supportive service options. The state's supportive living facilities are a great alternative for those who want to remain in their community and be independent," said Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson. "I am proud to be part of an administration that has increased efforts to reform long-term care and develop programs to prevent premature nursing home placement."

The text of the Supportive Living Week proclamation follows:

WHEREAS, the Supportive Living Program has proven to be one of the most successful models for affordable assisted living in the country, and offers seniors and persons with disabilities care, compassion, comfort and cost in an environment that helps promote independence and wellness; and

WHEREAS, there are 147 Supportive Living Facilities with over 11,000 apartments operating or soon to be operating throughout Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Supportive Living is the largest federal Medicaid home and community-based assisted living waiver program in the country with 11,500 persons that can be served annually; and

WHEREAS, Supportive Living has been lauded by the residents and their families for the high quality of life and services provided; and

WHEREAS, these services, such as medication supervision, personal care, homemaking, laundry, and a 24-hour staff to meet resident's scheduled and unscheduled needs, promote an active, independent lifestyle for residents; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that there are positive health benefits associated with socialization, keeping active, and having one's health status monitored to provide early detection and treatment; and

WHEREAS, by combining apartment-style housing with these services, residents can live independently and take part in decision-making where personal choice, dignity, privacy and individuality are emphasized; and

WHEREAS, Supportive Living is cost-effective for the State as rates are lower for residents of supportive living facilities who might otherwise reside in nursing facilities:

THEREFORE, I Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim the week of April 28 to May 2, 2008 as SUPPORTIVE LIVING WEEK in Illinois, and encourage seniors and persons with disabilities to take advantage of the program whenever possible.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]