NWVCIL Stories

Mr. G
Barbour County
Age: 75
Project Cost: Saved $6,595

In 2001 Mr. G, an amputee contacted NWVCIL for assistance through the Community Living Services Program requesting assistance with driving training. During the independent living assessment it was discovered that Mr. G had a stroke several years ago and lost the ability to communicate verbally. Results of the assessment indicated Mr. G would not be able to drive.

However, Mr. G disclosed that he had been fitted for a communication device by a speech therapist. Unfortunately, the device was never ordered because the family could not promise payment if the total amount was not covered by Medicare and private insurance. As a result the manufacturer refused to build the device unless they were assured payment would be made in full. After speaking with Mr. and Mrs. G, the speech therapist, and a billing representative of the manufacturer, the Community Living Service Program supplied payment authorization insuring payment would be made.

The CLSP Program coordinated services to have this device covered through Medicare and Mr. G's private insurance. Medicare was billed and paid 80% of the cost with the remaining 20% paid by Mr. G's insurance. Through this program ensuring payment if Medicare and the private insurance did not, Mr. G is now enjoying the ability to communicate easier and no CLSP funding was needed to meet this need.

Ms. A
Berkeley County
Age 45
Project Cost: $1,800

Ms. A lives in Martinsburg, WV. Ms. A had a stroke resulting in partial paralysis on her left side. On good days Ms. A was sometimes able to walk up to fifty feet using a walker or cane. However, on bad days she had difficulty getting from her sofa to the bathroom without falling. She relied on her scooter for transportation around her apartment complex as well as to get to and from a nearby pharmacy and grocery.

At the time of intake, Ms. A was renting a scooter that was extremely large and unreliable. Due to its size it was not usable indoors. Ms A was also using a small board to get her scooter over the 4.5 inch threshold in order to safely store it in her apartment. After informing her that the local housing authority was responsible for making her apartment accessible, Ms. A contacted the local office and within two days it was properly ramped. This saved the Community Living Services Program approximately $300.00.

By working with a local vendor, NWVCIL was also able to purchase a Rally four wheeled scooter for $1,800 ($350 below retail price). Ms. A is now able to use her scooter indoors as well as in her community.

NWVCIL Waiting for Service

Mrs. R
Randolph County
Age 34
Estimated Project Cost: $3,500

Mrs. R had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and although she was a practicing nurse was no longer able to work. Mrs. R was not eligible for Medicaid and has been denied services through the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services since she was unable to return to work. Due to the sudden onset of MS, Mrs. R was forced to rely on using a wheelchair full time for mobility. Because of the sudden progression of the MS, Mrs. R and her family were caught unprepared and in desperate need of receiving assistance with making the home's entrance accessible. At the present time Mrs. R has approximately 150 individuals in front of her waiting for independent living services.

While NWVCIL has tried to refer her to other resources that may be able to offer assistance, there are very few programs that provide assistance with home accessibility and none that have available funding. With our current budget allotments and the growing cost of materials, the time before funding is available for this job may be several years away.

Mr. P
Barbour County
Age: 68
Estimated Project Cost: $3,500

Mr. P had diabetes and was a double amputee. He contacted NWVCIL in August of 2001 requesting independent living services in the form of a ramp that would enable him to enter and exit his home independently. Unfortunately due to NWVCIL's extensive waiting list for independent living services and inadequate funding for this program, Mr. P died on March 29, 2005 - after having waited almost five years for services.