Asset
Management Model for Housing and Services
When exploring options for
housing and services for adults with Down syndrome, it’s important to look
at all available resources. One model that reflects these resources is the asset
management model, which identifies five points of support for the individual with
a disability:
The
person with the disability: Self-determination is an important component
of the decision-making process when it’s time to explore living arrangements
or services for the adult with Down syndrome. The individual may have personal
assets that include:
- Financial assets, such
as savings accounts, stocks, or bonds
- Income from government
programs such as SSI (income based on disability) or SSA (from previous employment)
- Employment wages
- Income from trusts
- Skills assets, including
education, work experience, training, or certifications
- Self-care skills, including
activities of daily living and household management
Nurses working with adults
with Down syndrome have naturally assessed some of the individual’s personal
assets, particularly the person’s skills in self-care and other areas.
Depending on the nurse’s role, it may be appropriate to gather financial
information in order to determine the person’s possible eligibility for
government programs.
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The
adult’s assets include income as well as skills.
The person’s
family: Parents, siblings, and other family members may be closely involved
in the lifestyle of the adult with Down syndrome. Family assets that may be available
to the individual with Down syndrome include:
- Financial assets
- Extended family support
- Trust funds
- Family services
- Family skills in home
management
When doing a nursing assessment
of the adult with disabilities, the nurse will invariably gather some information
about family services, skills, and supports. In order to assist in the decision-making
about community integration, the nurse may need to ask even more information
of the family. By demonstrating sensitivity to the family’s need for privacy
and stating the purpose of the information-gathering, the nurse can make this
process less intrusive.
The state
disability service agency and its providers: Adults with Down syndrome qualify
for a variety of services from state disability agencies, the type and amount
of these services vary significantly from state to state. Some core assets that
are often provided by state agencies include:
- Housing funds
- Services funds
- Volunteer service
- Facilitation and coordination
(case management)
- Sources of other funds
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State disability agencies must provide the services guaranteed by federal law,
so these services are essentially the same from one state to the next.
Nurses who are closely involved
in the life planning process for an adult with Down syndrome need a fairly detailed
understanding of state resources. Nurses in other settings should have at least
a basic grasp of these options for individuals with disabilities.
Other
government agencies: Many other government programs may offer services appropriate
for the adult with Down syndrome, including:
- Personal care services
- Rental subsidies
- Home ownership assistance
- Food stamps and temporary
assistance
- Social Security and Medicaid
- Telephone lifeline service
and adapted telephones
- Tax reductions
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Feedback:
Adults
with Down syndrome may qualify for a variety of government benefits.
When working with an adult
with disabilities, nurses have various levels of involvement when it comes to
government benefits and agencies. When in doubt, it’s important to do further
research so the individual receives all benefits to which he or she is entitled.
Local
community support:
When exploring options for adults with Down syndrome, it’s important to
include resources in the community, including:
- Friends, neighbors, volunteer
fire department
- Clubs, organizations,
and churches
- Health clubs, retail
businesses, volunteer programs
- Senior and disability
organizations (Davies, 1998)
Nurses working with adults
with Down syndrome may find a wealth of community resources by contacting volunteer
clearinghouses, or coordinating agencies.
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Feedback:
Because
there are so many public benefits for adults with Down syndrome, they seldom
need community support.