“So Glad to Be Home”: Money Follows the Person Participants’ Experiences After Transitioning Out of an Institution

Abstract

This study examined qualitative data from participants who transitioned from institutional to community living through the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Rebalancing Demonstration in Connecticut. As part of the MFP quality of life survey, 1,566 participants provided qualitative feedback about their experiences at 6-, 12-, and 24-month time points after transition. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs serves as a thematic framework to analyze the data. In their open-ended comments, many participants underscored the efficacy of the program and offered constructive feedback; some people also reported barriers and challenges to community living. While MFP participants generally report high satisfaction with the program, both in Connecticut and nationally, some participants identified areas of unmet need, including housing, transportation, and workforce issues. Findings have the potential to expand stakeholders’ understanding of participants’ needs and facilitate policies to improve services and supports for older adults and people living with disabilities who return to community living following institutionalization.