CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: ALICE’S STORY

A Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud driver recently notified our Support Coordinator, Kate Walker, that a client—who we’ll call Alice—had mentioned she was struggling with finances and sometimes could not make ends meet. Kate set up a home visit and went out to assess the situation. She quickly realized that Alice was likely eligible for Larimer County’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). These services are available through the County’s Long Term Care program as a part of Medicaid and allow those with a limited income to receive services in their own home or community, rather than in institutions or other isolated settings. HCBS serve a variety of targeted population groups, such as people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and / or mental illness. Through this program, Alice will receive the support needed to stay in her own home, living independently for as long as possible and, if the time comes, HCBS can provide assessments for when more skilled nursing care is required. Kate completed her assessment and helped Alice complete the HCBS paperwork. Together, they gathered the necessary documents to determine eligibility. Once the full process is complete - which can take time - Alice will likely receive support with activities of daily living, running errands and attending doctor appointments.