Project Choices is the local name for a state wide care management program which gives individuals who are likely candidates for a nursing home the opportunity to make the choice to stay in the community.  Staffing is provided by nurse and social work care management teams that specialize in working with individuals who need ongoing assistance to remain their homes.  This program helps client and their families by:

  • Utilizing a person centered assessment process to identify needs, supports and desires of each individual client
  • Linking clients with services and programs
  • Seeking ways to support and assist caregivers without replacing them
  • Monitoring service quality
  • Respecting the rights of clients to choose their own options of care

How Do I Contact Project Choices?

Call the Tri-County Office on Aging and ask for Project Choices.  The Intake Coordinator, as part of an initial screening, will ask several questions about your, (or the person for whom you are calling) health and ability to do everyday tasks.  The screen will determine your eligibility for an assessment.  If you are eligible for an assessment you will either be referred to the scheduler or placed on a waiting list, if the program is at capacity.  To see if you, a family member, or a friend qualifies call 517.887.1440 or Toll free 1.800.405.9141.

Who Is Eligible For Project Choices?

To be eligible for Project Choices an adult must live in Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham County.  In addition the individual must meet one of the following:

  • Have multiple and complex problems or needs
  • Be at risk for placement in a long term care facility
  • Currently live in a nursing home and have a desire to return to the community
  • Meet special Medicaid eligibility guidelines and meet nursing home level of care, as defined by the state (MI-Choice Waiver)

How Much Will This Cost?

Many services are covered by federal, state and local funding.  Any services offered that could have a cost to you will be clearly explained and will not be arranged without your approval.  Services may be paid by:

  • Medicaid and/or Medicare
  • Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS Bureau)
  • MI-Choice Waiver
  • You and your family, when other resources are not available

What types of services are available in the home?

A comprehensive array of services are available through various providers and community agencies including:

  • Personal Care
  • Respite Care (in-home and out-of-home)
  • Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies
  • Personal Emergency Response System (i.e., Lifeline)
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • Adult Day Health
  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Homemaker and Chore Services
  • Non-Medical Transportation
  • Private Duty Nursing
  • Environmental Accessibility Adaptations
  • Training Services (for client and/or caregivers)
  • Fiscal Intermediary (Self Determination only)
  • Goods and Services (Self Determination only)
  • Licensed Residential setting (Adult Forster and Homes for the Aged)

These services can be arranged and purchased for clients age 18 and older who meet the medical and financial requirements of the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services program. For others, private pay and insurance payment are an option. Project Choices is funded by the Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS Bureau.) Local fundraising dollars also assist in paying for client services.

Click here to view a list of current TCOA Providers

 

Confidentiality & Legal Rights

Project Choices respects the confidentiality of all clients; information is shared only with the client’s consent. Clients also have the right to appeal decisions concerning eligibility, services and providers.

Effective March 1, 2021, the MI Choice and PACE Ombudsman Program (MICPOP) will assist individuals with issues including enrollment, disenrollment, eligibility, adequacy and quality of services, self-determination (when available), coordination of services with other programs and benefits, grievances and appeals, and other issues. Individuals can call the MICPOP hotline, 1-888-746-6456, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays (excluding holidays).

Medicaid Waiver Program

Licensed Residential Services Option

What is it?

MI Choice Waiver participants have the option to receive services in Adult Foster Care homes and Homes for the Aged in the community. By including support services at Adult Foster Care homes or Homes for the Aged, more choice and independence for eligible persons is possible.

Who Qualifies?

  • Nursing Home residents expressing a desire to return to the community but may not be able to, nor want to live alone
  • Persons within the community at risk for moving to a Nursing Home.
  • Current Adult Foster Care home or Homes for the Aged residents at risk for moving to a Nursing Home
  • Must meet eligibility requirements for the MI Choice/Project Choices Program, including income and assets limits as well as level of care requirements

The Process

Once a referral is made…

  • A preliminary interview will be conducted by Licensed Residential Services staff
  • If the person is NOT on the MI Choice Waiver program, a nurse and social work Care Manager team will conduct an assessment to determine eligibility
  • Once eligibility is established, Licensed Residential Services staff and Care Manager team will conduct a person-centered plan with the participant
  • Licensed Residential Services staff will assist in finding an Adult Foster Care home or Home for the Aged
  • The participant will then have the opportunity to visit homes and make the final decision

 Please contact TCOA at 517.887.1440 for more information.