In 2022 Genet was a proud homeowner living in Silver Spring, Maryland. She thrived in the dynamic field of IT as a senior professional. Outside of work Genet enjoyed pampering herself, by visiting salons, going to social events and gathering with her family.  She loved spoiling her nieces and nephews with gifts and taking them to parks and other fun places.  

In the spring of 2022, Genet began experiencing unusual symptoms, including persistent fatigue and weakness. Always a ball of energy, she was baffled by her sudden exhaustion. The daily commute from Silver Spring, MD to Ashburn, VA was beginning to take its toll. As the year progressed so did Genet’s symptoms. She noticed weakness in her hands and legs, and found herself easily winded from climbing stairs. Genet consulted with her primary care physician. The doctor was not sure of what was going on, so he referred Genet to a hospital in Washington, DC for more testing.   

As months went by without a clear diagnosis, Genet’s health continued to deteriorate. She was forced to retire from her job and was confined to her home. Genet’s brothers rallied around her for support. The family has always been very tight knit since they arrived in the states from Ethiopia. One Sunday morning, while Genet was at church with her brothers, a fellow church member noticed she was using a walker with assistance from her brother. Renata approached the family and introduced herself as a coordinator with a local provider. She explained the work of her agency and recommended the family contact MAPS to get community-based services for Genet.   

A caregiver? In your home? Paid for by the state of Maryland? This program seemed too good to be true, but Genet knew she needed help. She loved that her brothers changed their schedules around to support her ever-growing needs, but she knew she needed more support. Genet decided to use the contact information she’d received, understanding that her situation was likely to worsen.  

Genet’s hunch proved correct: by the spring of 2023, she was using a wheelchair and spending her days confined to her home. Her brother Tewabe worked during the day and spent nights at Genet’s home to support her in the evenings. In May 2023, Genet chose to work with Service Coordination, Inc., and an initial service plan was completed by June 2023. 

Genet’s case was transferred to her support’s planner, Renata, in July of 2023. During their first conversation Genet explained that her plan was pending, and she didn’t understand why. She was scared, having just received a diagnosis of Parkingson’s Disease. At 64 years old, Genet explained that she needed help as soon as possible and emphasized that her situation was truly urgent. 

Moved by Genet’s situation, Renata reached out to the Maryland Department of Health to expedite an urgent review on her behalf. Renata’s attempts were successful, and Genet’s Plan of Service was approved the next business day. Renata called Genet with the good news and arranged a home visit to meet her in person.   

During their initial visit Genet expressed that she was happy to have care in her home. She had been to a nursing facility following an emergency hospital stay and experienced sub-par conditions. She explained she never wants to go back to a nursing facility again. Genet also showed Renata documentation that she had been misdiagnosed. Not only was she living with Parkingson’s Disease she’s also living with ALS (or Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  

Renata helped Genet receive the services and resources needed to lead a more independent life. She also assisted her in getting back on track with one of the things she missed the most: her self-care regimen. During an in-person visit, Renata recalls Genet looking down at her feet and saying, “I like your toes; that’s a beautiful color.” Renata knew how important this self-care was for Genet, and they collaborated to make it a goal on her plan of service. 

They developed a new plan of service requesting a host of environmental adaptations (stair lift, power recliner chair, grab bars and shower chairs). Renata kept close communication with Genet, speaking with her at least three times a week while her plan was pending review. Renata also worked with her nurse at GW Kelsey to get other resources like disposable medical supplies, a medical bed, and a power wheelchair.  

In January of 2024, the Maryland Department of Health approved an increase in personal assistance hours and the much-needed adaptations to her home. Currently, Genet’s home is being adapted to support her, and she is looking forward to getting her next pedicure, embracing the future with renewed confidence and joy.