Community Living Fund

The Community Living Fund (CLF) assists with the transition of individuals who have spent years living in hospitals or care facilities and who wish to return to living in the community. CLF also provides services to individuals living in the community who are at imminent risk of institutionalization.

How it Works

Although patients may wish to live independently, and have the right to make that choice, the transition from institutionalized care to independent living can be very difficult. Patients face ordinary life tasks such as meal preparation, bill paying and organizing medical care for the first time in many years. To make this transition safe and possible, CLF provides services from trained professional nurses and social workers. Social workers and nurses provide service coordination and, when necessary, purchase items and/or services needed by an individual to enable independent living.

Assessment

CLF services begin with a comprehensive assessment of a patient's needs. Based on this assessment, CLF develops a care plan. Services are provided based on the individual's care plan. Intensive case management follows as a patient transitions out of a care facility and into independent living, assuring that patients can maintain a safe and healthy life in their own care.

Who We Serve

CLF's top priority are patients of Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH) and San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) who are willing and able to be discharged to community living. CLF also serves nursing home eligible individuals on the LHH waiting list (some of whom are at SFGH and other hospitals) who are willing and able to remain living in the community. In addition, individuals who are at imminent risk for nursing home or institutional placement, and who are willing and able to remain living in the community with appropriate support, are eligible for CLF's services.

DAAS + IOA + Partner Organizations

CLF is administered by the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS). However, direct services are provided by Institute on Aging and seven partner organizations. Initial requests for service must go to DAAS first. Once an individual is deemed eligible for CLF's services by DAAS, IOA begins an assessment of the client's needs. After needs are determined, IOA provides services directly or through the care of several partner organizations.

Applying for CLF Services

All referrals to the CLF Program go through the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS). The DAAS Intake and Screening Unit, which is the initial entry point for accessing the Fund, will complete an initial intake eligibility screening. They will then refer those presumed eligible for the fund to Institute on Aging (IOA). Once eligibility is determined, IOA and its partners will collaborate to provide services.