NYSACRA

Resizing of Older and Larger Programs into Smaller IRAs

This proposal deals with a cooperative effort between New Horizons Resources and DDSO to vacate state properties - as well as - right sizing of older larger programs into smaller 5 or 6 person IRAs. New Horizons Resources, Inc. NYS-OPTS Proposals EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Services Offered New Horizons wishes to submit the following opportunities under NYS OPTS. We believe that these proposals enhance the supports that we can offer and enable an increased ability to provide person centered services and prepare for future needs and requests for the individuals we serve. There are two aspects to this proposal: Dutchess County and Ulster County. The Dutchess portion of this proposal advances the residential needs and day services needs of individuals currently living in the four homes located on the facility grounds and owned by NYS but operated by NHR. This proposal will also enhance opportunities for the Development Center in the MDU and LIT units; affording these individuals step down opportunities. The DDSO’s reclamation of these four homes on Wassaic’s Sinpatch Road – the campus’ western edge – will allow appropriate and needed opportunites for NHR consumers who now require physical plant and community supports. The Ulster County portion of this proposal repeats a downsizing request that was initiated almost ten years ago. The individuals that live these large IRAs, that were once large CRs, are both an aging and progressively more medically and psychiatrically involved group. The need for increased accessible housing and smaller living environments has been in the forefront of family and individual requests. Consumer Proposal Requirements In Dutchess County, New Horizons proposes to relocate 13 people currently living at Riverview and Orchard IRA’s on facility property (Taconic DDSO) to three 5 person IRAs to be located in Dutchess County. NHR will take two additional persons off NYS-CARES II waitlist to complete Phase One. Phase Two is planned for 2005-2006 to relocated the remaining two Sinpatch Road IRAs – Spruce and Heritage – to community based alternatives that would also include one additional NYS-CARES II person. This proposal has the full support of the Taconic DDSO to meet their LIT and MDU step down needs and also providing stabilization beds for community individuals from both the state and voluntary sector in need of behavioral support. The DDSO has indicated that there are currently no opportunities for MDU and LIT individuals to integrate into the community. In Ulster County, New Horizons is proposing to create four 5 person IRAs to serve the individuals living currently in the following locations; Canal Path, High Falls currently serving 13 individuals, Pinewoode IRA, Kerhonkson currently serving 10 individuals, Mountain View IRA currently serving 8 individuals and Deer Run IRA, Wallkill currently serving 14 individuals. These existing 4 homes will be right sized to allow for individuals to have the opportunities for needed accessible living by this aging and medically involved population and for single bedrooms – the sentinel request for individuals in search of more personalized service options. In order to accomplish this New Horizons proposes to create four additional 5 person IRAs. In addition the agency will include in this proposal one individual, previously living in Ulster County, who currently resides at Taconic Developmental Center. Specific details about housing to be developed will outline the needs for increased needs of aging population, the needs of individuals who have had previous psychiatric hospitalization and mental health issues and the requests from families and consumers for increased individualized services. Attached to this document or if needed sent under separate cover are letters and statements of support from consumers, families and local government planning units. Evaluation - Community day and program opportunities - Consumer and family satisfaction surveys - Application of the Supports Intensity Scale - Reduction in number of falls and incidents related to inappropriate living space for both consumers with physical needs and behavioral needs.