Feds slam care at Augusta facility for disabled

Feds slam care at Augusta facility for disabled

A federal agency has warned Georgia officials that it will end Medicaid payments to an Augusta facility for the developmentally disabled unless the state improves conditions there. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in an August report, said the state-run Gracewood Developmental Center has repeatedly failed to ensure the safety of patients, who…

Nightmare for vulnerable: Unlicensed care homes

Nightmare for vulnerable: Unlicensed care homes

The investigation of a South Georgia unlicensed personal care home began with the report of a resident of the facility breaking into a nearby home to get food. Law enforcement officials later raided the care facility, called Uplift, which housed people with mental illness and disabilities. Conditions were horrifying. “All these people were hungry,’’ said…

Medicaid change on long-term care delayed

Medicaid change on long-term care delayed

A state health agency Thursday delayed approval of a change in the Medicaid eligibility system for people in long-term care whose incomes are above the government program’s thresholds. The Department of Community Health’s board had been set to approve a switch for some lower-income Georgians — who now use “Qualified Income Trusts” (QITs) to qualify…

Transfers of disabled patients still a problem

Transfers of disabled patients still a problem

Almost 10 percent of the 480 people with developmental disabilities who have moved out of state hospitals since July 2010 have died after their placement in community residences. Chris Bailey, a spokesman with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, when asked about deaths after hospital transfers, told GHN that 44 occurred from…

Agencies unite in crackdown on illegal care homes

Agencies unite in crackdown on illegal care homes

The state’s main health agency said Thursday that it has formed a partnership with the GBI to crack down on unlicensed personal care homes. Clyde Reese, the commissioner of the Department of Community Health, told the agency’s board that the partnership, which includes Adult Protective Services from the Department of Human Services, will mount “an…

Commentary: Grads who need our help the most

Commentary: Grads who need our help the most

High school graduation can lead to angst and stress for parents of children with developmental disabilities. That’s because when high school ends, these young people often return to their homes with few opportunities for employment. And that can put extra caregiving responsibilities and more financial pressure on parents. In a new GHN Commentary, Kathy Keeley,…

Graduates who need help the most

Graduates who need help the most

The last day of high school is a bittersweet one for most parents. But for those who have children with developmental disabilities, it can be terrifying as well. From a young age, children with developmental disabilities have been cared for during the day in school, learning life and social skills. When high school ends, as…

Bidding on Medicaid contract scrapped

Bidding on Medicaid contract scrapped

A state agency has canceled the contract bidding to offer care coordination services to more than 400,000 Medicaid beneficiaries who have disabilities or are elderly. The contract proposals that were received were “over budget,’’ according to a state website that announced the bid cancellation. Care coordination for the “aged, blind and disabled’’ population was envisioned…

Report: Developmentally disabled need better care

Report: Developmentally disabled need better care

An independent reviewer reports that Georgia is failing to provide adequate supervision of individuals with developmental disabilities who are moved from state hospitals to community group homes. The reviewer, in a report dated March 23, says there is an “urgent need to ensure competent and sufficient health practitioner oversight of individuals who are medically fragile…

Commentary: A break for those with disabilities

Commentary: A break for those with disabilities

“Supported employment’’ represents a valuable opportunity for someone with a disability. It matches an individual with a job, and provides follow-up support and job coaching to help the worker thrive. The Georgia Legislature, in its final days this year, is considering funding for supported employment services for young people with developmental disabilities. In a new…