Here's some news on what Kansas ADAPT is up to in regards to getting folks out of nursing homes and giving them REAL CHOICE! I just received this but the meeting was in Sept and I don't know what has happened since then.
Tom Wilson

Members of Kansas ADAPT met with Kansas Department of Aging Secretary, Connie Hubbell, on September 5, 2000 to propose an idea that would help identify individuals currently living in nursing homes who would like to live in the community. � Hubbell and other KDOA staff were receptive of the ideas that Kansas ADAPT presented and suggested a cooperative approach to the idea.

The idea would be to design a program (with SRS and KDOA approval) of information and referrals which would be delivered to nursing home residents and health professionals and facilities. It is ADAPT's opinion that not everyone is given a clear choice when being referred to a nursing facility or institution and once a person chooses to enter a facility they do not know how to reverse this decision and move back into the community.

At the onset, members of ADAPT would go into facilities in group or individual settings and give information on various programs, assistance with moving out, and ombudsman/advocacy programs. ADAPT would also provide follow-up for those who want further information and/or assistance. This would pose as a pilot program for the State to later adopt.

Later that day, Kansas ADAPT also met with Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary, Janet Schalansky, to propose the idea once again. Schalansky was also very receptive of ADAPT's proposed ideas and suggested that a joint press conference could be held to kick-off the project. With the support of SRS and KDOA, ADAPT will be better able to enter a nursing facility or institution with the cooperation of that facility.

ADAPT plans on continuing to work with the Department of Aging and SRS to implement this project and identify individuals who wish to receive services in their own home and community. Another meeting is planned for after the Fall National ADAPT action with all of the involved individuals and agencies.