Home > Advocacy > Legislative Priorities 2009
RM
Harrison County
Age: 44
Project Cost: $7,870 (discounted from $12,020)
Photo of RM transferring to platform lift.
RM has brain damage caused by tumors on the pituitary gland and on the brain and he lives with his mother in Harrison County. RM was unable to leave his home and he was at risk for being trapped if there were an emergency. (Read the story of Joe who died in a Huntington fire in January 07.) For RM to get to his doctor's appointments he had to be transported by ambulance at a cost to the state of $300 per ride.
After RM's father died in 2004, he was at risk of being institutionalized. RM's mother requested a ramp in July 2004 so that RM could get out of the house and into the community. After an assessment was completed, it was concluded that a vertical platform lift would be required for RM to enter and exist his home in a wheelchair and it would be more cost effective than installing a ramp.
RM remained on the waiting list until June of 2008. In preparation for the lift installation, the yard had to be graded and the parking area paved. The church provided this service at no cost at an estimated savings of about $3,000. Prior to setting the lift, concrete and electrical work had to be completed. The contractor that completed the concrete work estimated the job at $1,500. After meeting RM he donated his time and discounted the bill to $350. A project that would have cost $12,020 cost Community Services Living Program $7,870, at a savings of $4,150.
With the platform lift, RM can leave his home, be transported by car to medical appointment at no cost to the state and can attend church and other community events. RM is now receiving Medicaid waiver services that has reduced his risk of institutionalization and enables him to remain at home.
Long term savings to the state: $80,300 per year nursing home cost.
