Advocating to Live Independently

Judah is 74 years young, and her strong faith has supported a sense of self-advocacy for living her life. When asked about her journey to return home from nursing home care and to independence, she said, “You have to trust in God and have patience. Don’t give up.”

Judah developed Covid which affected her muscles. It was so severe, she ended up in the hospital. Once she had recovered, she was moved to a rehab nursing home.

Although Judah was ready to move home, she was running into some challenges.

She noticed the folder Jasmine, LEAP Community Health Worker/ Transition Coordinator, was carrying when visiting the facility, and asked her about LEAP. She voiced concerns about moving back home and hoped LEAP could help her make the transition.

Judah said the nursing home was pressuring her to stay and threatened to call adult protective services if she left. However, her insurance carrier had let her know she could go home, and they would provide a home health aide and electric wheelchair. She had met some nice workers at the nursing home, but all told her they had to follow the facility’s policies.

“Sometimes, I didn’t feel human but a number,” said Judah.

Jasmine, took her information, went back to LEAP and then to work assisting Judah.

When moving out, she needed additional supports that LEAP was able to provide.

She needed -

• a non-electric wheelchair that fit adults as a backup when the electric one didn’t work or when transportation couldn’t fit an electric wheelchair,
• and a hospital bed so she no longer had to sleep in her recliner because she could stand up with the help of the lift.

Jasmine helped -

• find a non-electric wheelchair, a hospital bed, in addition a bed-side commode, and other personal items;
• safety proof her home through home visits;
• assisted in follow-up and reaching doctors, and
• reading mail from her insurance company to help answer questions until her home health aide started.

Stated Judah, “(LEAP) is very, very good helping and wrapping services around (people). Some places are doing for the agency and not the client. Thank God for you, guys. I had been trying for over a year for a bed. And I know if I don’t hear anything; I can call LEAP.”

“Jasmine was very nice. She always followed-up with me. It is good to know you're not forgotten. That’s a blessing – having people thinking about you.”

“She has a wonderful personality and thank you to LEAP for hiring her. She belongs here helping people.”