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>> NARRATOR: Missouri's Money Follows the Person, or MFP program, helps
people transition out of facility settings and move back into the community,
improving their quality of life. Missouri's MFP helps physically disabled, elderly,
and developmentally disabled adults live more independently in their own homes.
For qualified Medicaid-eligible individuals, dollars that would have paid for them to
receive care in a nursing home or habilitation center can be used for Home and
Community Based Services, allowing them to live in the community. Following is
one story of a person who has successfully transitioned through MFP.
>> NARRATOR: Meet Donald, after 17 years living at a St. Louis habilitation center, it
is moving day and Donald will soon be back home living with his mother, thanks to
the Money Follows the Person Program.
>> MARCELINE: I'm optimistic but excited, just looking forward to this.
>> STAFF: where your glasses?
>> DONALD: In my room
>> STAFF: Packed up?
>> DONALD: Yeah
>> STAFF: Why'd you pack your glasses up?
>> DONALD: I don't know
>> STAFF: You're too excited, aren't you?
>> DONALD: Yeah
>> NARRATOR During his time at the center, staff have worked with Donald on
developing his basic life and social skills, work that has prepared him for the
transition he is about to make.
>> MARK: Developing those skills has gone a long way to making him self sufficient
and independent.
>> DONALD: I know how to do my own laundry. I know how to cook.
>> NARRATOR: Donald has worked several jobs and pitched in with chores. While
living in the community, Donald will continue to work and strengthen his skills to
become more independent.
>> SHERRIE: I have really watched Donald grow. I've watched Donald work a job,
and Donald love working, and making his own money and spending his own money.
I am so proud and excited and so proud seeing Donald leave.
>> NARRATOR: Armstead says that Donald is setting an example of how the MFP
program, together with the hard work of staff can help qualified individuals live
more independently.
>> SHERRIE: Once they see some of them who have left here and are doing real good
it will encourage some of the other consumers to want to leave here and not be
scared to leave.
>> NARRATOR: In preparation for the transition, program coordinators have been
meeting with Donald's mom, Marceline.
>> MARCELINE: They're just helpful and they tell me what to expect. The benefit for
Donald is being home with his family, having support to let him enjoy the things he
might enjoy doing. And the benefit for me is that I don't have to do everything for
>> KEN: The reason he is a good candidate for self-direction has everything to do
with his family, their willingness and ability
to do this.
>> NARRATOR: Anxious to be back at home, Donald looks forward to seeing his
siblings and enjoying a home-cooked meal.
>> STAFF: What's your favorite dish that you like your mom to make?
>> DONALD: Spaghetti.
>> NARRATOR: We caught up with Donald and his support team four months after
he moved in with his mom. Donald pitches in around the house and finds helping
his mom fulfilling. He is happier now that he can participate in day-to-day activities
with family and friends and most of all, he spends a lot of his time playing and caring
for the family dog, something he missed all of the years he was living in a facility.
>> LESLIE: They can be closer to their families, they can be involved in the
community, they aren't set in one place, and socially I think it's excellent, he gets to
be around a lot more people. And I think he gets to enjoy life.
>> NARRATOR: If you or someone you love would be interested in learning more
about moving back into the community, please call 573-522-1591 or go to
on.mo.gov/MFP.