The Coastal AAA began administering the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program for Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn Liberty Long and McIntosh Counties in Georgia beginning July 1, 2011. Recently, the Department of Human Services (DHS), specifically the Division of Aging Services, secured a grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide MFP services. Subsequently, the Division of Aging Services partnered with Area Agencies on Aging to administer the MFP Program on the local level.
This grant is designed to help individuals who are institutionalized in nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities return to their homes and communities. The program serves older adults or individuals with physical or developmental disabilities that wish to transition from an institutional setting into a community setting. The MFP Program can provide assistance such as security and utility deposits, furnishings and basic household items, moving costs, environmental modifications to make a home or apartment accessible, connections with peer supporters and other community resources, and other additional services.
Each client served through the MFP Program is assigned a Transition Coordinator that provides support and guidance through the transition process. Each client must be screened for eligibility and to determine what is
needed for the client to move into the community. Coastal AAA participated in its first client transition through the MFP Program during July, successfully moving a client from Macon to an apartment in Savannah. “I am
very happy,” says MFP client. “I am going to do all I can to stay in this apartment.”
If you wish to participate in the MFP Program or gather additional information for a friend or family member, contact the Coastal Georgia AAA at 1-800-580-6860 or contact the state MFP office at gamfp@dch.ga.gov or
