From the ILGR Team
I met with a consumer in August who was looking to get her glasses paid for that were at Optique. She could not afford to purchase them herself because they were over $400. I assisted with an application to the Lions Club in Batavia to request coverage of the cost of her eye glasses. The Lions Club approved the request in September, but informed my consumer that she would need to make the purchase through Walmart because that is who the Lions Club contracts with. As soon as receiving her approval letter, she picked out new glasses and is just waiting for them to come in. JP
I am working with a consumer who is a wife and mother, unemployed, cannot drive, and is suffering from significant depression and isolation. She has been struggling despite her mobile counseling services and medication therapy that was being prescribed, but not effective by her primary care physician. Through her care coordination and the peer support services I provide as part of HCBS, together we have encouraged and empowered this consumer to seek specialized care; to get the real attention and treatment she needs. As her peer, I was able to assist my consumer in scheduling an appointment, as well as accompany her to the first visit with her psychiatrist. I provided her with emotional support, and used references to my own experiences and encounters with a few different “medication cocktails” until finding the ones that work for me. It is so important that we put an end to the stigma associated with mental illness, and the fear that overcomes people when they need to see a “shrink”. If you broke a bone, you would see an orthopedic doctor, so why is there so much shame in seeking help with our mental health?!?! AG
I recently helped an individual who wasn’t able to come into our office due to rupturing his Achilles heel. He was in a walking boot, but he could not drive. I met with him at his apartment to assist with applying for benefits through Social Services. We applied for SNAP Benefits and I provided him with the contact information to schedule an appointment at Department of Social Services to apply for Temporary Cash Assistance because that application could not be completed online. I explained the Temporary Cash Assistance process and the information he would need to bring to that appointment as well. I discussed with the consumer about applying for Temporary Disability also. The consumer informed me that he had just completed that prior to contacting our office and had been told if approved he wouldn’t receive anything until November or December. DJ
A consumer came into Independent Living with a past history of substance abuse and current mental health concerns. He was staying with a friend but that was not the best situation for him. Independent Living assisted with an application for DePaul housing so that he could live in the community utilizing a subsidy. This consumer also started engaging with the Genesee County Mental Health Clinic as a result of ILGR’s advocacy. DD
Due to JD’s medical problems she was not able to stay in her home anymore. She made the decision to live in a skilled nursing facility. Due to the costs, she would not be able to afford this service on her own. Together JD and a family friend contacted me for some assistance in applying for Medicaid. I met with them and helped them fill out the application. I assisted them with obtaining needed documentation. Additionally, I became a liaison and advocated for JD with the local Department of Social Services. After several weeks, we were able to get her application approved. SD
I have many interactions with consumer’s needing use of our equipment in the Loan Closet. Many times family members come in or call feeling overwhelmed because their loved one is sick or had surgery and need special equipment to use at home while they recover. They are very relieved to know they can borrow items here rather than purchase those items. It gives them one less thing to worry about. CD
An elderly gentleman who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease is cared for by his wife. She has no opportunity to get out on her own and take care of things without bringing her husband along. They would love to ask their granddaughter to help in his care, but she is a college student who needs a paying job to make ends meet. Thanks to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program, their granddaughter can help care for her grandfather and use this as gainful employment. Both husband and wife are relieved to have a family member help to provide respite that is long overdue; she can run errands and participate in her normal outside activities knowing that he is well cared for by a loving family member. PM
I have been conducting orientations to help people become Personal Care Aides for Independent Living so that our consumers can stay in their homes. This program provides consumers with the help they need to stay healthy and active. The number of people attending orientation is growing rapidly. The more PCA’s we have the more Consumers we can help. This is a great job which helps out the community and keeps consumers in their homes. AD
I facilitated a subcommittee meeting for the Continuum of Care regarding the re-entry population (from incarceration) that covers the 3 counties of Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming. The meeting had representatives from all 3 counties, and included Probation, County Jails, Law Enforcement, Homeless Alliance, Genesee Justice, and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Our discussion included services being provided in order to prevent people from becoming homeless or returning to prison. I introduced upcoming funding opportunities that the counties can apply for and possibly receive more resources to help the re-entry population. DN
I recently called a man that at first did not want to speak with me at all about his Medicare. He was very leery of me calling because of fraud and the lack of help in his area. I was able to reassure him that my purpose in calling was to assist with Medicare; and I also provided direction to him on assistance with Medicaid. His direct quote to me was “Thank you for the phone call, it came at a very opportune moment for me. The application process was very complicated and I knew I needed help with it”. MW
In September we began a 6-week series of diabetes workshops (Diabetes Self Management Program) at The Greens in LeRoy, NY. This workshop was created by Stanford University with very strict guidelines that must be followed to a tee! Each class will teach the participants ways in which to manage their diabetes. We cover various topics such as nutrition/healthy eating, monitoring diabetes and blood sugar, dealing with stress, problem solving, preventing low blood sugar, preventing complications, decision making, physical activity and exercise, difficult emotions, depression, positive thinking, relaxation techniques, communication, sick days, foot care, medication and working with your health care professional. The class has 14 participants enrolled and we are excited to share this program with them. DB.