Linking Clients to Resources that “Make A Mark” on Their Lives
/By Kayla Clark
Community Health Programs Coordinator
Often times, people will contact the Area Agency on Aging with one topic, need or service. Then in the future, as they have issues related to the field of aging and disability, they will contact us again to see if we can help with their new issue or need. I met Ms. Posey in 2019 after she had come into our office for Medicare’s Annual Enrollment (SHIP counseling) for prescription drug coverage. Ms. Posey was prescribed some very high costing medications to assist with her condition. After enrolling her in the most cost-effective drug plan with Medicare, I began working to see what pharmaceutical companies might also assist her (SenioRX). We were able to get a few of her high costing medications approved for no cost.
Earlier this year, I learned that Ms. Posey’s husband had been diagnosed with a memory disorder. Now she is not only living with her own disability, she is also a full-time caregiver. She mentioned that it was getting more difficult for her to get in and out of her home due to her front steps. With our agency’s concept of ‘No Wrong Door’ (Aging and Disability Resource Center) we are trained to think of every opportunity a client may benefit from and link them to those resources. I contacted Church of the Highlands and made a referral. In a short time, their construction outreach team was able to build her a ramp. This may seem like a small construction project to some, but it made a huge MARK on this family. Now, the stress of getting in and out of her home was no longer there.
Later, Ms. Posey called and shared she had been in the hospital. She then proceeded to tell me that a lady from the construction team had stayed in touch with her and even came to visit her during her hospital stay. She was so touched by this. Just a short visit and a few calls to check on her, truly made an impact on this sweet lady.
As I reflect back on this story, I am reminded of the theme this year for Older Americans Month, “Make your Mark.” Ms. Posey is not only dealing with her own health conditions, but is also a full time caregiver for her husband. She is patient, loving, and compassionate towards his needs. She puts his needs above her own and gives so much of herself daily. As much as she is pouring out of herself, I am so glad there were some that were able to give back to her! I close with this quote, “The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else.” ― Carson McCullers. Remember every month, but especially in May, to give back to the older adults in your lives, the caregivers, and the ones that have made so many marks on us.
