Nursing Home Transition (NHT)
What is Nursing Home Transition?
Nursing Home Transition (NHT) is a program in Pennsylvania for older adults and people with disabilities who reside in nursing facilities. It offers residents the alternative to live in a home environment with the assistance of home and community based services.
Support is available to those who wish to return to their homes or to live independently in an apartment or house. Funding may be available to help with one-time expenses such as security deposits, home modifications for accessibility, essential furnishings, and other moving expenses.
Although 24 hour care is not available, a free Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) can be provided and used to call for help in serious emergencies.
To qualify, the person must be:
- Age 60 or older
- Age 18 or older with a physical disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months
- Able to either independently or with support: direct their care, handle their financial and legal matters
What type of help is available in the community?
Services available may include but are not limited to:
- Adult Day Services
- Advocacy
- Affordable Housing
- Assistance Finding or Accessing Social and Recreational Opportunities
- Equipment Not Available Through Health Insurance
- Home Delivered Meals
- Home Modifications
- Information and Referral
- Peer Support and Skills Training
- Personal Assistance Services
- Personal Emergency Response System
- Respite for Caregivers
- Transportation
Can a person live safely on their own if they are nursing home eligible?
Many people are not aware of the services available to them or who to contact in their community to receive help. The goal is to educate individuals and families about available living options and how to access services and support so that they are more comfortable and confident about their choices and preference for community living. Older adults and adults with significant physical disabilities can remain safe and healthy while living on their own.
We will work with you and your loved ones to create a safe and happy transition to the living situation of your choice.
Testimonials:
Laurie lived in a nursing facility in one county but wanted to live near her twin sister in another county. Laurie uses a power wheelchair. Transition funds and services helped her to secure accessible housing just five minutes from her sister’s home. An accessible van took Laurie across county lines for her evaluation for transition and to the furniture store where she proudly selected her new furniture. Laurie enjoys living in the community of her choice. At 46, she now says, “I love being on my own and independent!”
Isaac “My father is a stubborn man and was very dependent on my mother. When she passed away, we didn’t think he should live at home alone so we sold the house and moved him into a nursing facility. He is 84 years old, frail and lonely, and he did not adjust well. One Ombudsman told us about home and community based services that would provide attendant care, meals, and help with personal hygiene. We had concerns, but with services and funding, we modified my uncle’s home and he was able to move in with him. He is back in the neighborhood and accepting the help. Dad is happy, so are we.”
This program is a collaborative effort of:
- Pennsylvania Departments of Aging, Health, and Public Welfare
- Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform
- Local County Assistance Offices
- Local Area Agencies on Aging
- Local Centers for Independent Living
- Home and Community-Based Providers
- Organizations Representing Nursing Facilities
- Community Living and Support Services, (412) 683-7100, http://www.ucppittsburgh.org/
- Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging, (412) 350-5460, www.county.allegheny.pa.us/dhs/aaa
For questions regarding this service or these programs, call 412-371-7700 or TTY 412-371-6230.