June, 2024
Vera’s Story
When Ms. Vera Crisp had a problem with her leg and entered a skilled nursing facility she expected to only be there for six weeks. However, her stay lasted much longer - nearly five years. Vera wanted to transition out of the nursing facility, but wasn’t sure how. It was guidance from a friend and a supportive social worker that set Vera on track to moving back into the community. “I told my social worker that I wanted to find a place and he started working on it. He talked to me about MFP and about six months or so later, MFP called me and told me they had a place for me. I jumped up and said Hallelujah!”
In order for her to transition from the nursing facility and move into her apartment, Vera applied to become a client at Elderhaus, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Wilmington, NC. To meet the requirements of the program, she needed to show that she could live in her apartment with periodic support.
Initially, Vera wasn’t approved to move into her apartment due to breathing and mobility issues. That did not deter her though, and Vera returned to physical therapy to work on strengthening her legs and breathing. On her next assessment, Ms. Crisp passed with flying colors. “ It was a challenge and I told myself I could do it.” Upon learning of her approval, Ms. Crisp said she shouted and cried.
“It is a blessing to go from a nursing home to your own place. And it was more than a blessing when you have a social worker who will tell you these things and help you get where you need to get.”
Since moving into her home PACE has assisted Vera with transportation, medications, eye and dental care, therapies, and more. “They are a tremendous program and help you with everything.” Vera also receives support three days a week from a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Now that she is settled into her apartment “my life is 100% better and then some,” says Vera. Her advice to others in a similar situation is to “Do what you need to do to keep your strength, to keep your mind, and go and tell these people what you need and what you want.”
