SW Georgia News

The Georgia Infirmary was the first of its kind in many ways. It was the first hospital for African Americans built in the United States. It was among the first in the nation to train African-American nurses.

It also was the first Medicare-certified comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility. Today, a large portion of funding for the center comes from SOURCE (Serving Options Using Resources in Community Environments) and CCSP (Community Care Services Program), which are Medicaid-waiver programs that assist the elderly with home and day support.

“For more than 25 years, Georgia Infirmary has provided case management services and made it possible for our members to remain at home and avoid premature nursing home placement,” says John Albright, director of the Georgia Infirmary. “We take pride in our ability to assist our community’s most vulnerable population and provide them with much needed care, support and resources they otherwise would not have.”

About SOURCE and CCSP

SOURCE and CCSP are case management programs under the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP) administered by the Department of Community Health. Our main goal at SOURCE/CCSP is to serve the elderly, frail and disabled in our communities to assist them with remaining at home as long as possible and preventing institutional placement, Albright says.

The waiver programs have three components: primary medical care, home- and community-based support services and case management.

St. Joseph’s/Candler has two offices, in Savannah and Baxley, that offer SOURCE and CCSP case management services to residents in 27 counties in southeast Georgia. Your case manager works closely with you and your physician to help meet your needs so you can remain in your community safely for as long as possible.

Services include:

• Case management services (includes assessment, care coordination, service monitoring, education and resource management)
• Adult Day Health Center (nursing, recreational activities and lunch provided in a day center)
• Alternative learning services (provides a residence, such as a personal care home, for individuals who need 24-hour supervision and support)
• Emergency response system (call button worn in case of medical emergencies)
• Home delivered meals
• Home health services (nursing and/or therapy in your home)
• Personal support services (assistance with bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, meal prep, shopping, errands and respite care)
• Structured family caregiving (support, education and oversight of family caregivers that live in the home with the member)

Eligibility and fees

In order to qualify for assistance through CCSP and SOURCE, the individual must meet the following:

• Deemed appropriate for nursing home level of care by a physician and have a need for the services
• Medicaid eligible or potentially eligible based on a financial screening
• Able to safely live in the community with supporting services

For individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits, there is no fee for services. For the other participants who qualify for Medical Assistance Only Medicaid, there may be a monthly fee for certain services. You will be notified of your potential cost share once the assessment is complete.

“Unlike any other SOURCE/CCSP provider, we provide access to a physician and offer nutritional and incontinence supplies to our members at no cost,” Albright adds.

How to apply

Call 912-819-1520 to speak to an intake specialist. A brief telephone screening is conducted to determine if you qualify. If deemed potentially eligible, you will be scheduled for an in-home nurse assessment. Once the nursing assessment is complete, your application will be completed and submitted to the Department of Community Health for approval.

For more information or to apply, please call 912-819-1520 or 866-218-2259. You can also fill out this referral request online.

Original source can be found here.