Mary Meets Michael

Mary, an APS caseworker, received a case about a 68-year-old man, Michael, who was legally blind and living alone. Michael’s brother Ben was his caregiver, but Ben already had a full plate taking care of his wife, who was disabled. Wanting Michael to have the best care, Ben arranged for a skilled nurse to help weekly with his medication.

When Mary visited Michael, she found he didn’t have any assistive devices. She knew he needed them to help him safely and easily get around his house. Mary also made a list of other services that would help Michael live more independently. Michael agreed to the help, so Mary began making referrals to several programs.

APS Sets Up Services

Within a few days, Michael was approved to receive Meals on Wheels. Unfortunately, other services were a little more complicated for Mary to secure. The National Federation of the Blind told Mary that she would need to work with a local organization. They referred her to the Vocational Rehabilitation - Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program. The counselor at the program could not verify that Michael was legally blind. And Michael could not remember his doctor’s name so there was no one but Mary to verify his blindness. Determined to get Michael the help he deserved, she explained to the counselor the situation. Luckily, they approved Michael’s application and he received adaptive equipment to help meet his daily needs.

Mary was able to overcome another hurdle by working with the Texas Workforce Commission and HHSC to secure Medicaid benefits for Michael. They enrolled him in a Medicaid managed care plan, which included an emergency response button to help keep him safe and give him peace of mind.

Michael Finds Hope

Mary’s commitment to Michael provided him with the tools he needed to live safely on his own. She worked with numerous partners to meet Michael’s needs and to help Ben with his ongoing responsibilities of caring for his wife and brother.

Michael’s story is an example of how Adult Protective Services works with its partners to protect vulnerable adults who are being abused, neglected, or financially exploited. APS is committed to helping those like Michael have healthier, safer lives with their dignity intact.