The Basics

For people with disabilities, living in their own homes or apartments in their communities—their neighborhoods, towns, and cities—is a great way to have more enjoyable and more independent lives. Various programs and services help people with disabilities do this, by providing supports, tools, and training that help people with disabilities live on their own.

This article presents some of these programs, which can help you move from a nursing home into your own place, help you get the services you need to stay in your own place, and help you make money at work so that you can have a better life. If you have a disability that requires a high level of care, Georgia’s Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) programs might help you live well and work in your community, instead of in a nursing home or other institution:

• If you live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program can help you move to your own home in the community.
• If you live in the community, Medicaid has services that can help you keep living in your home. These Medicaid waiver programs are for people with disabilities who need supports at a level usually provided in an institution, like a hospital or a nursing home.
• If you are 60 or older, you may be able to get non-Medicaid Home and Community Based Services through Georgia’s Division of Aging Services.

Learn more about MFP, waiver programs, and other programs and services that can help you move into the community.

Community organizations can also be fantastic resources to help you live in your own place. You can contact them on your own or team up with your Medicaid case manager. Learn more about programs and community organizations that can help you live on your own in the community.

If you already live in the community, you may want to have a job and make more money. The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and other organizations can help you find employment and understand how working may affect your benefits. Learn more about programs that help you with finding and keeping work.