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Stories - The experiences and voices of people who live successfully and independently in their own homes.

Jackie and Florence's stories

We hope you will enjoy reading Jackie and Florence's stories. Our goal was to bring to life the experiences and voices of people who live successfully and independently in their own homes. Jacqueline and Florence are but two of the hundreds of people who could be living in a nursing home but who prefer to be at home. They rely on the help of family, friends and support workers to maintain their independence. Case managers coordinate and arrange the many different home care, personal care and professional nursing services that they need on a daily and weekly basis.

These services are provided and paid for through the Home and Community Based Waiver program, a program that is specially designed to meet the individual and personalized needs of people who want to live at home but who need help to do so.

Too often debates about services, funding, or policies are made without a full appreciation for the people behind the "numbers". Yet, it is often difficult for frail or otherwise vulnerable people to make their voice heard in legislative committee rooms or workgroup meetings of policy makers.

We would like to thank Jacqueline McKenney and Florence Morgridge for agreeing to share their stories and the stories of the people who help them. We hope these stories will contribute to a better understanding and fuller appreciation for the people who receive and provide home care services and their courage, determination and spirit.

Jackie's Story - Consistency and Respect
Jackie lives in a small basement apartment with her 35-
year-old son Eric. She has been in the waiver program for several years, and was candid and clear as she talked about what she likes and doesn't like about the stream of assistants that have been through her home......

Florence's Story - A True Friendship
Florence is a 91 year old woman who lives by herself in an apartment complex which mostly houses elderly residents. She is fiercely independent, and advocates for herself when she experiences problems with MaineCare or her Homecare Agency......

 

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