Beth Harris

Beth is a thirty-five year old female who lives with her parents, Bill and Liz Harris. Beth is diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) and Osteoporosis which affects five or more joints. Beth’s hands are very tiny and she has frail fingers, fused wrists and shoulders. She uses a wheelchair for mobility and a walker when doing transfers.

In order for Beth to continue living with her family, she was in need of a few hours of homemaker and personal care and she needed a security system installed for emergency situations since her parents both work.

Through Case Management and Family Support Services, Beth’s needs are being met without having to go through the process of an Individual Support Plan or applying for a waiver. Beth applied for a Medicaid card and is now able to receive homemaker and personal care for bathing and meal preparation.

Beth and her family had researched a variety of alarm systems so that she could be more independent. Essential Security Solutions, Inc. has installed a system that has been individualized to meet Beth’s needs. The system has a waterproof pendant that Beth wears and, at a push of the button, she can call for help. The system has two-way communication so that she has the option to speak to the operator without having to pick up the phone. It is also portable so that, when traveling, Beth would only need to call the company and provide information of the location and phone number in order to have the system activated.

Beth and her family are very satisfied with the services and supports they have chosen. Family Support Services and Case Management were creative and are successfully serving Beth and her family with minimal resources.

Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities
106 Stover Drive, Delaware, OH 43015
740-368-5800
http://www.dcbdd.org/