We all have things that enrich our lives and they are as individual as we are. Yet for the person who is disabled, access to many of these things may be a challenge and take creativity to achieve. Families who have a member who is disabled are the key advocates for their family members. Many are the voice of the person and work to ensure that their family member is included and that accommodations be made if necessary to allow them to participate. Families may also be able to pay for things that we all take for granted, but with expenses mounting for necessities, sometimes funds are limited and have to be put aside.

 

Case managers who work with patients who have a disability need to take time consider these nonmedical issues as part of their assessment. They need to know that achieving a dream that is outside the “‘scope of things” can have a profound impact on a patient’s quality of life.

Creative case managers who go the extra mile find resources by researching vendors, advocacy groups, national, state and local government funding resources, not-for-profit organizations and support groups pertinent to the patient’s conditions. Taking time to talk to these groups allows you to dig a little deeper to find out about resources that you might not have through about. When searching for resources case managers often find that one call leads to the next and you are amazed what you can learn when you take the time to talk with people. Reaching people and organizations that can make a wish come true come for a patient come from so many different sources.

 

Case managers who have taken the time to assist their patients and families uncover the multitude of resources see the fruits of their labor when they hear of how simple things make a difference. Finding resources to meet their patient’s goals and needs is time-consuming but can be the most rewarding part of your job. One of the resources that you can use as a starting point is the Case Management Resource Guide. This trusted resource has been assisting case managers, social workers, discharge planners and others for over 20 years to find resources for their patients to meet their individual needs. Taking the time to investigate the companies and talk to decision makers who understand their conditions and recognize their potential will open doors that will amaze you.

 

I look forward to anyone who has had this experience of helping a patient and family meet goals and improve quality of life through nontraditional means. Feel free to share your experiences below or email me at allewellyn@accessintel.com