Success Stories
Sam is a 9 yr-old boy with multiple behavioral and developmental issues who is being raised by his maternal grand-aunt Kim. Sam has been hospitalized numerous times for violent behavioral episodes. During the last hospitalization Kim expressed that she was not sure that she could continue to raise him, and was considering out-of-home residential treatment for him if the violence and other issues continued to escalate.
She felt guilty for not being able to handle his behavior but really didn't see any other option. It was clear that a concentrated and deliberate plan was needed to ensure that all possible efforts were made to maintain Sam in his home. During his hospitalization, Four County Family Center initiated an emergency service coordination team meeting, bringing together multiple service providers that either were already serving or potentially could be involved with the family, including representatives from Sam's school, DJFS, MRDD, and mental health agencies. The meeting facilitated communication on potential services, supports, and solutions that could help to stabilize Sam's situation. Kim agreed to take him home upon his release from the hospital, but with residential placement still a strong possibility.
One of the frustrations in the home was that Kim, as the only parent in the house, never got any relief from Sam's intense behavior. To address this, service coordination arranged for weekend respite services to be provided once a month upon Sam's return from the hospital provided through Family-Centered Services and Supports (FCSS) funds. Sam's first weekend with the respite family proved to be such a relief for Kim that service coordination quickly advocated for and secured an increase to two weekends per month. Sam has bonded well with the respite family, and continues to go on a regular basis; Kim states that respite has rejuvenated her, providing her with the energy she needs in order to successfully handle Sam's challenging behavior. Periodic meetings at his school have also proven to be valuable in maintaining open lines of communication with the school, and service coordination continues to facilitate these on a quarterly basis. The service coordinator continues to work closely with this family and to facilitate communication and cooperation among the multiple systems involved.
 Imagine wanting a child more than anything. Your prayers are finally answered and the adoption of your son is finalized. You understand that your son suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, but you know that your love can fix anything.
At 12 years old, your son is having trouble in school hitting, kicking and not keeping his hands to himself. He is not following rules or instructions. He is disrespectful to authorities, especially at school, and he is having temper outbursts almost daily. He is failing school and you, as a parent, feel like you're running out of options. The school counselor suggests you try counseling at Family Service. Although counseling in the past hasn't helped, you give Family Service of Northwest Ohio a try.
After a few months of treatment you see the good in your son once again. His behavior has improved at home and in school. He has gone from failing the fifth grade to getting A's and B's and being involved in team activities. This is something that wouldn't have happened before because of his temper. It is determined that his past behavioral problems were related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. You now feel confident in being able to help your son overcome his problems thanks to Family Service of Northwest Ohio.
 Jack is a 58 year old male who was in an automobile accident in 1969. At that time he suffered from a spinal fracture in his cervical spine rendering him an incomplete quadriplegic. He has no feeling from his chest down and has very limited use of one hand and arm. He is at the mercy of others to provide the most basic care for him. Jack is married and his wife is also wheelchair bound. She works outside the home and provides care for Jack every day after work and on weekends.
Jack came to Home Care Options as a client in June of 2002. He is dependent on others for every aspect of his life. We provide a home health aide five days a week. She gets him out of bed daily, bathes him, and provides general grooming such as oral care, shaving, and dressing. The aide also provides him with food and drink for the day until his wife returns home.
Jack now has a motorized wheel chair which he is able to maneuver about his home. Home Care Options has become a life line for Jack. Our service means more than just a bath and some food, although without that he could not possibly remain in his home alone. He expresses his appreciation for companionship. He looks forward to having someone to talk to daily.
Without the funding along with the cost share that Jack pays on a sliding scale fee, he would not be able to afford to remain in his home. What Home Care Options provides is not a luxury but a basic human right for Jack to remain in his home, to be safe, clean and fed. For the past seven and a half years we have been able to provide this safety net for him. |