John F. Kennedy Alternative Housing Program Cost-Effective Program Provides Services to Prevent Premature Institutionalization of Elderly Manchester . The John F. Kennedy Alternative Housing Program is managed through collaboration between two housing authorities in New Hampshire. It offers frail elderly public housing residents with disabilities the opportunity to live in the dignity of their own apartment and receive supportive services that are easily accessible within their building. The goal of the housing program is to prevent institutionalization of the elderly and de-institutionalize residents who were prematurely placed in nursing homes or other facilities. The program has delayed nursing home placement and institutionalization of seven participants.
Costs are approximately one-third the cost of nursing homes.
Residents pay 20 percent of their incomes for participation, and the balance comes from state and federal funds. This represents an enormous saving to the State Medicaid money. This cost-efficient program offers the elderly independence and improved quality of life.