Marie’s Story

Marie has many distinct qualities. She’s quiet, but she’s also a spitfire. She is small in stature but grand in personality. Marie speaks her mind and knows exactly what she wants and likes. One of the things she loves is her home. It is full of framed photographs of her three daughters, their spouses, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Marie’s home is also filled with photos of her cat, Bingo, a sweet calico kitty named after one of her favorite games. 

Because of her strong, independent nature, Marie has always been reluctant to ask for help. Fortunately, she was connected with SCI Supports Planner Tina, who began working with Marie in May 2022. Tina understands the importance of independence and dignity and the role it plays in a person’s enjoyment of life. She was determined to help Marie thrive in an environment where she could be happy.  

Before meeting Tina, Marie suffered a cervical spinal fracture that required a hospital and short-term rehabilitation stay. This gave her priority in applying to the Community Options Waiver program, also known as COW. In addition to her spinal fracture, Marie was also dealing with another medical condition: osteoporosis that forced her chin to nearly rest on her chest, even when she was up and walking around. 

Despite her health setbacks, Marie still didn’t feel she needed outside support. Eventually, however, Tina and one of Marie’s daughters convinced Marie to request personal care hours through the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). With Marie’s blessing, they worked diligently to get MDH the required financial documentation.  

While they were submitting paperwork and waiting for COW approval, Marie encountered more health trouble: she fell and fractured her hip. This fracture took her back to the hospital and eventually to a nursing home for short-term rehabilitation. As a woman who loves her home and independence, she begged every day to leave the nursing home.  

Tina and Marie’s daughter worked tirelessly to get Marie back home. This included updating Marie’s Plan of Service and medical information and urgently resubmitting it to MDH. Marie agreed to request more caregiver hours at home than she had previously requested. She also agreed to an environmental assessment and a PERS device as well. She did not, however, want to receive home-delivered meals. 

On June 1, 2023, Marie was approved for COW and received 36 hours of personal care assistance at home. She was also set up with a PERS device and scheduled for an environmental assessment.  

According to Tina, who recently completed her first quarterly visit with Marie, Marie is doing well and has said her caregivers have been “a great help.” Modifications are being made to Marie’s bathroom so she does not have to step over her tub to shower. This and other quality-of-life upgrades will allow Marie to stay in the home she loves so much. “Marie and her family have been a joy to work with,” said Tina. “I have really enjoyed getting to know them, and I am so glad Marie gets to continue living at home.”