Stories
We meet the needs of families with adults dealing with mental illness or developmental disabilities.
About David
Since their mother died a few months ago, Sarah is now her brother David’s only living relative. Although his mental illness is currently stable, she worries that their recent loss might trigger a relapse. Because she must travel often for work she cannot check on him as often as she feels she should and she worries about what might happen if a crisis should occur. And at times when she does visit him, she is unable to conceal her distress when confronted with the effects of his negligent housekeeping and poor personal hygiene. Words are exchanged that bring up old wounds, in spite of her intention to give love and support.
How PLAN can help:
A PLAN care manager will make regular visits to David's metro Atlanta apartment to assess his needs, accompany him to his doctor's appointments and to the pharmacy, monitor the effects of his medications, travel with him to purchase groceries and encourage him to maintain a healthy diet. By keeping records of David’s history, medical information, social contacts and family information, PLAN will be prepared if an emergency should occur when Sarah is away and he needs more resources. As trust builds between David and his care manager, there will be opportunities to address matters of housekeeping and personal hygiene in a neutral, non-threatening way.
About Kate
Henry’s youngest daughter Kate, after a tumultuous decade of multiple hospitalizations and substance abuse in her youth, has been living a purposeful life for the past fifteen years. She lives with her two cats in a unit of supportive housing and works part-time at a florist’s shop. Henry meets with her at least once a week to have lunch or walk in the park. He helps supplement her financial needs as they arise. Although Henry is in excellent health, at his age he cannot help but worry that a time will come when he will not be able to look after Kate. He cannot count on his other children; his oldest son lives with his family in Australia and his other daughter is recovering from breast cancer. He has made financial provisions for Kate through a trust, but who will provide the vital human contact that will keep her on course?
How PLAN can help:
Henry can work with PLAN to devise a program of care that will, in the future, provide Kate with the same kinds of support he has always given her. PLAN will identify a care manager who will act as Henry’s surrogate and serve as Kate’s advocate, monitoring her support services, her medical care and her financial needs. She will be able to continue living an independent and stable life.
About Martin
Michael and Carla are reeling from their oldest son’s recent psychotic episode. They are traumatized, physically exhausted, and grieving the loss of the happy, promising, college-bound boy Martin had been before he became ill. While he’s been in the hospital, they’ve realized he cannot continue to live at home. They are worried about the effect his bewildering behavior is having on their younger children. The hospital plans to discharge him soon. If he has nowhere to go, he will end up in the streets.
How PLAN can help:
PLAN can give Michael and Carla the immediate help they need by finding appropriate housing possibilities for Martin. His care manager will also help connect Martin to other appropriate services and public benefits, such as social security, and will make regular visits to encourage Martin on his path to recovery. PLAN will serve as an advocate for the family, giving them the support they need to pass through this difficult crisis in their lives and for the lifetime of Martin, if Michael and Carla choose.
