Community Living and Participation

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    Boston Center for Independent Living > Community Living and Participation > Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Who is eligible for BCIL’s Nursing Home Transition Program?
    A: People with a disability, of any age, who are living in a nursing home, long-term rehab hospital, or another institutional setting. There are some options available (ex. Money Follows the Person program) which have tighter eligibility requirements, but BCIL will assist you or your loved one no matter which option you qualify for.

     

    Q: Am I capable of living in the community?
    A: BCIL believes that everyone can live in the community if they want to; some people just need more help and support than others. BCIL will help you explore the areas that are likely to be challenges for you, and determine what service or combination of services can help with those challenges. We’ll also help you identify your strengths, and how to use those to your advantage to achieve your goals.

    Q: How long will it take to move out of the facility?
    A: It’s hard to give an exact number, because the process is a little different for everyone, but you should be prepared for it to take some time. Things that can influence the speed include whether you already have a home to go back to, whether you have support from friends and family, whether you’re already eligible for MassHealth, and how actively you participate in the process. As long as you’re interested in working on your goal, we’ll keep working with you – and the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be back home!

    Q: What type of housing will I be going into?
    A: The answer depends on a lot of things, like your income, your support needs, the availability of certain types of housing in the cities and neighborhoods you’re interested in. People who have worked with us have moved into apartments (with and without vouchers or other financial assistance), the homes they lived in before they went into the nursing home or rehab, boarding houses (also known as “SROs,” or “Single-Room Occupancy” buildings), and, in some cases, group homes. We’ll work with you to explore what options are available in your specific situation.