Meet Todd from LaPorte County

“I want to tell you how helpful and compassionate Robin from your organization was.”  That is what Linda wrote in a note to REAL Services. 

Linda, a LaPorte resident, went on to describe how REAL Services had helped when her 46 year old son, Todd, suffered a stroke last year.  Todd has a degree from Purdue and worked with the Indiana Department of Child Services and other agencies that work with children’s issues.  He enjoys going to the gym, playing pool with his friends, video games, and watching documentaries.

Then in April of 2016, he suffered a brain aneurysm and stroke.  The stroke damaged parts of his brain and affected the left side of his body.  Fortunately it did not affect his speech.  And he says that it is a good thing, because everyone knows how much he loves to talk!  

It has been a long road of therapy and perseverance, but he has recovered to a degree. His mother, Linda, has been there every step of the way. 

“She was my voice when I couldn’t talk and my hands and legs when I couldn’t use them.  She never gave up,” exclaimed Todd.  “My partner Jade has been a voice of encouragement prodding me to do more and more. The support of my family and friends are the reason I am on my way to independence and having my life back.”

And that is the mission of REAL Services… to help people stay independent in their homes to the degree possible.  When they contact REAL Services, Robin was assigned to work with them to help them determine the best options for Todd to pursue.  She interviewed them to assist in getting a Medicaid waiver.

Linda said, “She was professional and knowledgeable… a credit to your organization.”  And Todd elaborated by saying, “She was and remains a valuable asset to us in this journey of ours.”

REAL Services has 31 Case Managers and 19 Options Counselors like Robin.  As an Options Counselor, Robin is the first line for people like Todd and his mother.  Options Counselors are highly trained in matters such as Medicaid eligibility.  Their job is to listen to each individual and develop a person-centered plan based on the needs and resources available to the client.

Through this assessment, the strengths, weaknesses and specific needs of that individual will be determined.  Then available programs or services are identified that may help to keep the person safely in his or her own home.

After the assessment is complete, an individualized Care Plan can be developed that details the type of services needed, the frequency, and the funding source for each service.  Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, other family or friends who provide support, and public services or other programs used to help keep that person at home are included in the planning stages while developing the Plan of Care.

The work is not always easy.  But what keeps them going every day is the knowledge that they are making a difference in the lives of people like Todd.  “We heartily appreciate the assistance Real Services is providing me while I await the day I can live independently and return home.”