Extensive Support Needs Housing planned for Flora
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Almost ready for occupancy This large house was built on the east edge of Flora to house individuals with developmental disabilities. Staff will provide all necessary care for the residents 24 hours/day during their stay. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

In an effort to close old-time institutions, which used to house those who could not live successfully in mainstream society, the State of Indiana developed the Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Housing program to provide intense services for adults with developmental disabilities. There are two "homes" under construction in Flora that will house four individuals each, according to Peter Bisbecos, director of the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services for the State of Indiana.

"This program works," Bisbecos told the Comet Tuesday afternoon.

Occupancy in the first Flora home is expected by the end of July. There is no projected opening date for the second home, which is not as far along in construction. Both homes are located in or near Carriage Estates at the eastern section of Flora.

Jennifer Hatchett, director of the Bureau of Quality Improvement Services, explained that residents who used to reside in institutions usually had no goal of moving out of the institution. However, the ESN program offers the opportunity and the expectation that residents will move on to more independent living situations.

"This program is a variation on a group home theme," she said. "We offer more extensive services. And we've already seen success," Hatchett said. "Some residents have already moved into other homes and gotten jobs."

Hatchett said the goal for each of the residents is "just to become another member of the general community."

There are 14 homes statewide in the program, which began Jan. 1. Funding for services is at a rate set by state statute. That rate is approximately $475 per person, per day, but will increase this year to more than $483. Occupants will be chosen for the homes in Flora based in part on their desire to live in a rural setting. They will be relocated from anywhere in the state.

Requests for proposals (RFPs) to provide the homes and services were sent out by the state 18 months ago, according to Family and Social Services Administration spokesperson Dennis Rosebrough. The owner and care provider for the homes in Flora is Spectrum Community Services of Indiana Inc., according to Rosebrough. The contact person for the provider is Shelley Caulkins. Comet efforts to reach Caulkins have been unsuccessful.

Supportive services, such as transportation, are a component of the program. A similar home was constructed in Tippecanoe County near Battle Ground, on Pretty Prairie Road, adjacent to the Battle Ground Golf Course. The setting is more than 10 miles away from the nearest grocery or drug store, as well as doctors' offices and recreational activities, except for country club functions in which membership is required.

"Just because they are living in the golf course setting doesn't mean they can't jump into the van (provided by the program) and go to Battle Ground or Lafayette," Hatchett said.