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THE JOURNEY TO COMMUNITY HOUSING WITH SUPPORTS
In SUPERVISED APARTMENTS,
SMART HOMES AND TECHNOLOGY Depending upon the level of need,
an individual lives alone or with a roommate in an apartment with staff available to them on the premises for up to 24 hours a day.
a person may prefer receiving services on demand in the event of a medical need or emergency. Remote monitoring can identify when staff intervention is needed. The resident can push a button to call for help. In the event of an emergency, sensors identify a problem so that staff can respond to the need. This technology can be programmed so that the person does not have to ask for help.
With funds from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, a housing developer constructed 64 apartments. Within this building, four apartments adjoin with interior doors between the four living units. The state inspects and licenses each apartment as a community residence. Recently, Gary has been coping with medical issues related to his advancing age and cerebral palsy. His health is fragile and he needs staff present with him throughout the day and night. His individual budget from the waiver was not sufficient to fund all these staffing hours. Sharing the staff supports with his three friends has made this affordable. Gary loves having his own apartment with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath. When he feels like it, Gary socializes with his three housemates watching movies or cooking meals together. Direct support professionals are available during the day and one staff overnight. The staff move freely between the four apartments attending to each person as needed. Gary enjoys all of the amenities of living within a garden apartment complex, including having friends and neighbors who do not have disabilities. By sharing the expenses with three other people, Gary can live more independently and afford the services that he requires. Clustered Supervised Apartments within a Housing Complex Model: Gary’s Home
A person may have difficulties performing certain tasks. Many low to high technological devices are readily available to assist a person to live more independently. These assistive devices can overcome barriers that deter a person from living on their own. Simple apps on a smart phone possess unlimited possibilities for controlling the environment. Pre- programmed devices can automatically provide schedule information and prompts. Simple machines alert and dispense medications at designated intervals. If a dose is missed, these systems contact a designated person by telephone to follow up. Monitors signal an alert when someone falls, has a seizure, is in the bathroom too long or the front door opens. Emergency call buttons, computers or video cameras provide communication in the event of an urgent situation. Programs operate environmental controls such as lights or thermostats from computers or cell phones. Sensors detect when a stove is unattended and automatically shut it off. There are endless technological solutions that can be incorporated into a home to overcome barriers, reduce reliance upon personal aides, increase independence and keep people safe. Many simple assistive devices are purchased inexpensively. Systems that are more complex may be costly. If medically necessary, some items are paid by medical insurance. Technology that promotes independence may be funded through the NJ Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver. Lending libraries exist so the person can test the equipment before purchasing. The Faison Residence in Richmond, Virginia, is an inclusive community of 45 apartments with 30% of the units designated for those with special needs. Affiliated with The Faison Center for Excellence, the residence incorporated smart home technology into the construction to benefit all of the occupants. For more information visit www. FAISONRESIDENCENET . At the renter’s request, remote monitoring by staff is available. Homelink Technologies consulted on the state of the art design. Go to WWWDISABILITIESTEMPLEEDUTECH or WWWHOMELINKTECHNOLOGIESCOM for sources for technological or adaptive devices that assist independence. The Assistive Technology Center in New Jersey has a lending library that can be accessed at WWWASSISTIVETECHNOLOGYCENTERORG
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