State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.
May 5, 2008
Crisco Hails Approval of Bill to Help More Seniors Receive Care at Home Instead of Nursing Homes
Resident of Naugatuck key supporter of legislation
Legislation that is designed to expand Money Follows the Person, a federal pilot program that allows Medicaid funding to be used to for elderly residents in Connecticut to receive care at home instead of nursing homes.
"This important legislation can have a positive impact on efforts to make it easier for our seniors to avoid going to a nursing home and receive adequate care at home," said Senator Crisco.
The legislation increases, from 700 to 5,000 the number of people to be served under the state's plan for participating in the Money Follows the Person Project. The program permits states to move individuals out of nursing homes or other institutional facilities to more community based facilities.
The project will provide funds for programs and services for cost-effective home and community based alternatives to care in nursing homes facilities, including occupational therapy, homemaker services, companion services, meals on wheels, adult day care, assisted living and other services.
"This bill means that Connecticut is moving forward in a positive way to find an alternative to nursing care for our seniors," said Senator Crisco. "This is a remarkable piece of legislation, and I'm couldn't be more pleased it was approved by the Senate."
"The bill is also a victory for Bob Veillette, who is a constituent of mine from Naugatuck," said Senator Crisco. "A former managing editor with Republican American newspaper, he suffered a massive stroke in 2006 that left him paralyzed below the eyes, but he is still cognizant of the world around him. Veillette spent six months in hospitals, but eventually he was taken home and cared for by his family. He has been a strong supporter of Medicaid home care programs and this legislation."
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