The Open Doors Transition Center Project/Peer Outreach and Referral Program helps nursing home residents move to a home in the community.

Open Doors is a statewide program operated by independent living centers and coordinated by the New York Association on Independent Living. AIM provides this service in Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties.

AIM has transition specialists who are familiar with local resources. They help identify the supports and services needed to live independently in the community.

Our transition specialists can help with locating affordable, accessible housing, and arranging supports such as community medical providers, home care, meal delivery and assistive technology.

Our transition specialists work with staff at nursing homes to develop a discharge plan and facilitate the transition. They also follow up to ensure the transition is successful.

Open Doors also includes a peer outreach program. Our trained peer mentors have been successful in transitioning and/or using home- and community-based services to live independently. They share their experiences with people who may be interested in transitioning, and provide support and encouragement before, during and after the transition.

The Open Doors team works closely with AIM’s Olmstead Housing Subsidy specialist. The Olmstead Housing Subsidy helps people who are transitioning out of nursing homes secure affordable housing. Participants in this program pay 30 percent of their monthly income, less allowances, toward rent. There is also funding available for security deposit, moving expenses, household furnishings and other needs.

For more information about Open Doors, contact Community Transition Coordinator Melissa Bedient at (607) 962-8225, ext. 130.

Open Doors is funded by Money Follows the Person, a federal program.