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Success can have different meanings for different people
Jane is a resident at CCARC's Jones' House, a group home for clients who need daily assistance, but wish to have some level of independence. A couple of years ago, she fell and injured her knee, causing her to lose her ability to walk. Because of her injury, an infection ensued and she required more intensive medical care. Jane was placed in Jackson Health Care Facility, where she could receive the medical attention she needed. "At one point it looked as if she would not be able to return to the Jones' Home," said CCARC Success Coordinator Corey Campbell. "She had come to depend on the nursing home staff for all her needs and appeared to have lost her motivation." Once her injury had healed and the infection was gone, Jane was asked whether or not she wanted to return home to the Jones' Home. "She became excited at that prospect," said Campbell. "So, she was brought back and we began sending her to physical therapy for her knee." At first, Jane resisted the idea of physical therapy. Now she is at the point where she can take enough steps to get out of her wheelchair on her own to do things she needs to do. "Her progress has been amazing," said Campbell. "We thought we would never see the 'old Jane' again, but she has made great strides. I wouldn't be surprised if one day she returns to walking on her own and leaves the wheelchair behind." The level of achievement that Jane has reached is an example of what CCARC's mission is--to provide services that assist the individual in meeting the goals they desire, no matter what they are. Jane returned to the Jones' Home almost back to her old self, spending time with her friends watching television, coloring and eating popcorn. Those are some of her favorite things to do at home. She also enjoys going shopping at Wal-Mart, getting her hair done and eating out at Jackson Steakhouse. During a recent interview, Jane said she enjoys being back home and watching her favorite show, "Knight Rider" and favorite movie, "Kangaroo Jack." Spending time outdoors is also fun. Visits with her sister, Cindy Boykin, are special to Jane. She often goes for visits in her sister's home and spends the holidays with the Boykin family. Jane is still undergoing physical therapy twice a week. She's working on learning to walk again. She uses a walker for assistance. "Jane is an excellent example of how our mission helps our clients achieve the level of success they desire," said CCARC Director Graham Braswell. "We give them the control over their own lives." Approximately 10 years ago, CCARC changed its focus from the developmental model, which was basically providing care for its clients, to the personal outcomes model, which assists people in achieving what they want to achieve. "Our main funding source on the state level is now catching up with that and looking at changing the control of the money allocated for our services to person or client-directed," explained Braswell. "That means if the client isn't happy with the direction or the pace at which the services we provide are moving, he or she can choose to make a change. This is being explored on a pilot basis, so that transition has not occurred. But, I believe it will happen. This will be good because it will force service providers to render a higher quality of service. If we give more than is expected, by taking that extra step, our clients will benefit."
The community is invited to come out March 15 for CCARC's annual Spring Jubilee and meet Jane along with many others who receive services through the agency. This year is their 35th anniversary and everyone is invited to help celebrate. See details in future issues of The South Alabamian about this year's event.
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