How to apply for Community Transition Liaison Program — Help Leaving a Nursing Facility

Who it's for

Free help for nursing facility residents who want to move back into the community. A Community Transition Liaison team assigned to every Massachusetts nursing facility works with the resident and family on a discharge plan, connects them to state programs and local supports, and works with the resident advocate to resolve problems with the move. It is available to all nursing facility residents age 22 or older, regardless of insurance type. Ask the facility's social worker for the CTLP team, contact your regional Aging Services Access Point, or call MassOptions at 800-243-4636.

What you'll need

• Current nursing facility residence (any insurance type)
• Your discharge goals and the name of your facility social worker or resident advocate

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Community Transition Liaison Program — Help Leaving a Nursing Facility. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need current nursing facility residence (any insurance type), your discharge goals and the name of your facility social worker or resident advocate — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm that you or your loved one currently lives in a Massachusetts nursing facility and is age 22 or older — this program is only for current nursing facility residents, regardless of insurance type.
2. Gather key information before reaching out: the name of the nursing facility, the name of the facility's social worker or resident advocate, and your discharge goals (where you want to live and what supports you may need).
3. Connect with the Community Transition Liaison (CTLP) team in one of three ways: ask the facility's social worker to connect you with the assigned CTLP team directly, contact your regional Aging Services Access Point, or call MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636.
4. Work with the CTLP team to build a discharge plan. The team will connect you to state programs and local supports and will work with the resident advocate to resolve any problems that come up during the move.

What to expect: After you make contact, a Community Transition Liaison team — assigned to your nursing facility — will reach out to begin working with you, your family, and your facility's social worker or resident advocate. Together, you will build a discharge plan and get connected to the state programs and local community supports you need to move back home. There is no set renewal schedule; this help is provided per transition, meaning it is tied to your move out of the nursing facility. Processing timelines vary depending on your situation, so ask the CTLP team for an estimate of next steps and timing.

Renewals

per transition