SAIL houses the NHTD and TBI Waiver Programs, which are funded through the Department of Health and allow individuals ages 18+ to return to or remain in the community instead of living in a residential healthcare facility. SAIL’s Medicaid Waiver Services Programs help people access services that allow them to increase their level of independence. The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) programs embrace the philosophy that people with disabilities, individuals with traumatic brain injuries and seniors may be successfully served and included in their community with:

• Extra services covered by Medicaid
• Coordination of services and resources for community living
• Care plans that address an individual’s goals
• A participant who is the primary decision maker

New York State Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waivers provide alternatives to nursing home care. Long term care services include the medical, social, housekeeping or rehabilitation services a person needs over months or years in order to improve or maintain function or health. Such services are provided in patients’ homes or in their community. The Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) is a New York State Department of Health grant-funded entity that educates the interested individual about the waiver program, helps the applicant select a service coordinator and approves all service plans. Each waiver participant has an individualized service plan which the RRDC reviews annually to ensure the health and welfare of the participant and to ensure that all necessary services are provided.

SAIL Waiver Staff Can:

• Function as an initial point-of-contact for potential applicants, their families, legal guardians and/or authorized representatives
• Administer the day-to-day activities of the waiver and make recommendations based on such activities to DOH for improvements to waiver policies and procedures
• Develop and maintain waiver resources and supports in the Adirondack region
• Develop collaborative relationships with regional stakeholders including, Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS), additional local government entities, providers, advocacy organizations and others necessary to assure a comprehensive coordinated approach to the targeted population

SAIL helps people leave nursing homes by visiting them in the nursing home and providing them with information and assistance to help them access community-based options for long-term care services and housing.

Transition Specialists visit nursing homes and other institutions.

When we receive a referral regarding someone in need of help transitioning to another setting, our compassionate and knowledgeable staff help the individual analyze their community options and seek the available services and housing they need to live safely in the community.

Transition Specialists provide:

• FREE unbiased listening ear
• Options and resources for you
• Assessment of needs to live in the community
• Support and information accessing community resources

The SAIL Transition Department assists persons seeking to live in the community after a stay in a skilled nursing facility (nursing home) or other type of institution. Our Transition Specialists work with the facility and consumer to assess the feasibility of community living, and facilitate the necessary steps when appropriate. If needed, our Housing Specialists help consumers secure a place to live and assist them in getting the appropriate supports in place to remain in the community.

SAIL believes that people have the right to live in the least restrictive setting and works with State and Federal based programs to provide outreach and assistance to people seeking to transition from institutions to their community.

Our Transition Specialists work with the facility and consumer to assess the feasibility of community living, and facilitate the necessary steps when appropriate. If needed, our Housing Specialists help consumers secure a place to live and assist them in getting the appropriate supports in place to remain in the community.

SAIL believes that people have the right to live in the least restrictive setting and works with State and Federal based programs to provide outreach and assistance to people seeking to transition from institutions to their community.

ICAN Advocates provide assistance to individuals accessing Long Term Care Services and Supports through Medicaid.

ICAN Advocates provide assistance to individuals accessing Long Term Care Services and Supports through Managed Medicaid Plans (Managed Long Term Care and Mainstream Managed Care) at all points along the application and enrollment process. This includes advocacy with Local Department of Social Services, Maximus and directly with the care plan to help people maintain, increase or access available services.

SAIL Advocates:

• Provide information on Home Care options available to individuals who wish to live at home
• Assist with completion of Non-MAGI (not eligible under the NYS of Health Marketplace because the individual has Medicare, a significant disability, is over sixty-five, or is blind) Medicaid applications in order to access services
• Assist individuals to obtain the services they need to return home from Nursing Homes
• Assist individuals with requesting new or increased services
• Provide technical assistance when appealing plan decisions
• Provide technical assistance when filing complaints with NYS Department of Health