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Case Managers: We could all use one on occasion
when we just cannot seem to move forward.
This month, we talk about what they do and how they do it.
Want to know what some of our clients think?  Click here
But first, as always, we thank all our donors, including these most recent:
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The Atherton Group (TAG) talent agency
surprised us with donated proceeds of monthly TAG Talks event! Representing professional,
award-winning talent, TAG Talent has California,
New Mexico, Texas, and
Louisiana divisions.
THANKS!
 | Leah Graham accepts donation from Jorge Elizondo of the
The Atherton Group |
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Here's a BIG shout out to our Board! Thanks for committing to fund our HIV/AIDS Support Group through December!
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_______________________________
Congratulations, Natalie Connors-Loid, Medical Case Manager, on achieving the LMSW (Licensed Master of Social Work) designation!
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Click the BANNER to donate to or join Team Wight House |
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LIVING WELL BY GETTING STRONG
Strength in Partnership
Many of our clients, when they first come to The Wright House, have no idea how strong they could be. Often lower on the economic ladder, with no family helpers, difficult work schedules and frequently without transportation--they find it difficult to manage their own affairs in time of crisis.
They need external support to accept and deal with a situation and get back on track after an unexpected HIV or Hepatitis C diagnosis.
If you are a client, there might be other circumstances calling for case management. Perhaps you are transferring care from out of city or have been previously diagnosed, but only now evidencing symptoms. Maybe your partner is insisting on better self-care; you--the client--have determined to improve self-care; or you are trying to live in sobriety for the first time in many years in the context of your disease.
Enter your Case Manager...
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| Case Manager (CM) as 'Personal Trainer'
Much as you might see in the gym, you--our client--tell your Trainer what you want to achieve. This is not the same as what you want. You might want to look 'like a million bucks' but a concrete goal of losing 35 pounds could be one way to get there. As a client, you might choose a goal of stable housing or better medical adherence, for instance.
Much like a Personal Trainer, the CM assesses your strengths, weaknesses and expectations, clarifying as needed. Many activities revolve around identifying barriers and ways to overcome them. Collaboratively, with the CM, you develop an individualized care plan, based on your priorities in the light of available resources.
MORE
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Co-Programs Director |
Erika Bitar, MSSW
Bilingual Case Manager |
Shirley Giron-Douriet
Bilingual Case Manager |
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Who Does the Lifting?
You--always you--the client. If you do the lifting, you will build the muscle. Your CM can point out the tools--show you to the right weights--but you must pick them up to become strong and achieve your ultimate goal.
Together, you and your CM set the end goal to achieve. Along the way, you will:
- Access and adhere to care - Go to the doctor; take your meds
- Begin to manage your care - Across agencies, programs and professions
- Learn self sufficiency
- Receive skills and education
- Develop confidence
- Start to do for yourself what you initially rely on your CM to do.
And then, it is time to bring your Case Management to a close and celebrate your personal victory!
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Stephanie LeBleu, MSW
Lead Case Manager |
Henry Perez
Case Manager
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HENRY SAYS IT ALL!
Henry Perez, Case Manager
Case Management is awesome! I love listening to people and helping them actualize their goals, lessening their fears and apprehensions about what happens next in an uncertain future. I'm all about self-actualization; however you see yourself, I want to help you get there, show you there's no reason why you can't.
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Blade Berkman, LBSW
Housing Case Manager |
Natalie Connors-Loid, LMSW
Medical Case Manager |
Lawrence Vaults, LCDC Case Manager |
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Ways The Wright House Helps
We listen and ask
We help develop your goal and plan
We help clients find care providers
We assist in getting to providers
We teach adherence
We explain side effects and management
We model tracking of complicated things
We coach clients
Medical and related settings
Medical and other processes
The Importance of information
We discuss care-giver/other relationships
Improved relationships
Interacting/negotiation
Informing doctors and others
We demonstrate self advocacy skills
We monitor and follow-up
We hold Clients accountable
We encourage and mirror progress
We provide structure
We share healthy living resources
We note holistic treatments available
We seek transportation/housing alternatives
We explore funding possibilities
We develop relationships on clients' behalf
We counsel on relationship situations
We assess Risk and teach Prevention
We promote self-care/management
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What Help Looks Like
"Are you going to the doctor?"
A Client/Case Manager partnership
Available doctors, clinics, homecare, etc.
Transportation modes/vouchers
Tools noted, such as pill boxes
Medical and drug regimens
Reminders are used
Client clarity
Improved productivity
Clients feel supported
Intimidation becomes understanding
Timely prescriptions/appointments
More success in navigating
Understanding needs
Honest communication
Fearless communication
Clients have a concrete model
Clients develop self-accountability
Self-esteem builds
Clients learn its value
Clients use/learn to find their own
Balance encouraged
Reassured clients
Clients see Safety Nets
Clients take over/build better relationships
Trust develops
Clients and others stay safe
You-the Client-Manage Yourself and your life!
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At times we take you where you need to be.
But we always show you how to get where you want to go.
We give you tools, teach you to use them and how to find new ones.
We do for you what you cannot, while you learn self-sufficiency.
And we will always, always be there to applaud your success!
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CASE MANAGEMENT EVOLVES
Things have changed. The Wright House Wellness Center came into being nearly 25 years ago, when family and friends banded together to provide emergency ad hoc hospice for those stricken with the still mysterious HIV virus and the symptoms that characterize AIDS. The best that could be done was to give comfort, in as many ways as possible.
But, as medical interventions, prevention programs and an understanding of wellness have developed, the service model has changed.
We have gone from helping people die
to helping them live!
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OUR DONORS MAKE
OUR SERVICES POSSIBLE.
PLEASE JOIN THEM!
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BEST SINGLE SOURCE PLUS (BSS+)
Housing Case Management
Maybe you lost a job and then your apartment and otherwise qualify as a client of The Wright House...perhaps you have been released from incarceration and are now diagnosed with HIV...possibly you are an elderly client, suffering from a chronic disease and you are having difficulty supporting changed housing needs ...or you might have recently learned you have Hepatitis C and, due to a recent divorce, cannot support your mortgage.
If you are in crisis without stable housing or in imminent danger of losing it, and are positive for HIV and/or Hepatitis C, our Best Single Source Plus Case Manager can assist. Sorting through the challenges and the range of services available, we can find and help you obtain financial and related resources.
With stable housing and the enhanced sense of security it brings, you are most likely to find or keep a job, care for yourself and most importantly, access medication and adhere to dosing schedules.
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THE CASE FOR CASE MANAGEMENT
New HIV medication introduced in 1995 made mortality rates plummet. But intervening factors have kept them steady at a lower level. Case Management is designed to help clients with barriers to realizing the drugs' benefits such as access, education, funding, behavioral difficulties, etc. To further reduce rates, we are looking for ways to support our trained and licensed case managers so they can spend more time with clients.
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WHY I COME TO WORK
Blade Berkman, LBSW
Housing Case Manager
A client once went three years without a stable situation before coming to The Wright House and being successful in changing that. She came to me in tears, saying thanks and telling me it had been such a long time since she had hope for the future. That's why I am happy to be here doing what I do.
My personal values align with the professional values of Social Work. It is intense work, but when a client owns his or her success, it is so rewarding. When clients see they can captain their own ship and just need a navigator for awhile, then we at The Wright House have done our job. We model clear boundaries to create the structure of a working relationship.
Without stable housing it is difficult to focus on health. Our mission requires us to help clients maintain access and adherence to medical care. So when needed, we start with housing.
As a BSS+ Housing Case Manager, I work with clients to develop a Housing Stability Plan, with action items for each of us. As part of this, it is critical to develop a budget and work on ways to increase income and decrease expenses. We educate and guide, but only the clients can choose success.
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About Us
The philosophy of The Wright House Wellness Center is to help people living with or at-risk for HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C make healthier life-style choices, employ complementary/holistic health therapies to delay illness, and contribute back to the community.
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
- I have always been treated professionally, with dignity, and in a caring manner.
- Thanks so much for the help you give. It keeps me from deteriorating both mentally and physically.
- I'm very satisfied with the service I have received - wonderful services.
- I like that the staff is friendly and good listeners. The case manager is trying to meet my needs in caring for myself.
- When I need help they are there.
- Everyone is so friendly.
- All staff members are compassionate and considerate.
- Very helpful people when I need something. It's almost always available.
- They keep me mobile. Without them I would not be so ambulatory.
- Great work! Meets unmet needs.
- Keep up the great work!!!
- El servicio es excelente y gracias a este es mas facil salir adelante con la enfermedad.
- I love the Wright House and all of the services offered. I wouldn't be where I am today without The Wright House! I've learned about my disease and how important treatment is.
Case Manager (CM) as Personal Trainer (continued)
It's a process of getting strong. To lift a hundred pounds, you start with ten or twenty. Your Trainer helps you find the right gym or appropriate classes; models selected exercises based on your needs and goal; spots you to be sure you are exercising safely; helps you find appropriate equipment; teaches the most effective and efficient ways to lift; encourages and reinforces your success and continued motivation. Until--that is--you have met your goal and can proceed independently.
Similarly, your Case Manager can refer you to medical professionals and facilities; coordinate between your doctor(s), counselor, attorney, Social Security, Food Bank, nutritionist or other support provider; monitor your activities in light of the plan; and assist in locating resources or funds for specific needs in the context of your goal, such as transportation or housing when appropriate.
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