1. Make a preliminary inquiry
Contact CELS at 603-264-8236 or use the referral enquiry form. Give a broad description of the residential support being sought, the preferred area, timing and coordinator contact. Our focus is adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; discuss age requirements when planning a transition to adult services. Ask about current options and the next review steps. Keep private health records out of an initial general message.
2. Confirm eligibility and service authorizations
Work with the responsible area agency or service coordinator to clarify eligibility, the person-centered plan and any Medicaid-waiver authorizations. Identify which approvals are already in place and which still need review. The funding pathway and suitability for a particular home are separate parts of the process. CELS can review a proposed referral but cannot confirm eligibility simply from a website inquiry.
3. Gather information with consent
Records that may be needed include the current support plan, assessments, service authorizations, medication orders and health summaries, relevant behavior-support plans and consent or guardianship documentation. Add the adult's preferences, communication needs and successful routines. Confirm the required documents with CELS and the coordinator, then agree a secure sharing method and who is authorized to provide them.
4. Review staffing and residential suitability
Discuss personal-care assistance, mobility, communication, supervision and daytime and overnight support. CELS needs to assess whether the proposed setting and staffing can meet the adult's needs. Ask about staff preparation, backup coverage, compatibility with others in the home and privacy. A potential opening should be reviewed against the support plan rather than treated as an automatic match.
5. Resolve safety and medication questions
The review should cover emergency assistance, evacuation, health changes and any relevant risks. Medication support needs to be assessed using current orders and appropriate staff training and authorization. Clarify who will communicate changes, how concerns will be escalated and what specialist support is required. Resolve these questions before agreeing to a move so the team understands its responsibilities.
6. Plan community life and the transition
Discuss visits and how the adult can express preferences about the home. Identify familiar routines, relationships and chosen community activities to preserve. Transportation, daytime arrangements and assistance outside the home should be part of the discussion. A transition plan can set out staff introductions, transfer of information, move timing and how the team will review the initial adjustment.
7. Confirm the arrangement before moving
Before a move, confirm residential availability, suitability, staffing, service authorizations and the agreed responsibilities. Ask for the remaining steps and a realistic timeline based on the particular referral. CELS does not publish guaranteed vacancies or admission dates on this website. Keep in touch with the coordinator and CELS if needs or circumstances change while a referral is under review.