robin
In late 2021, Robin, 68, a retired data analyst from Hamilton County, suffered a stroke and was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment. Later, he moved to Drake Center for rehabilitation.
“I’ll tell you one thing about a stroke,” Robin said. “You really have to learn to live again.” So, during his time at Drake, Robin worked hard to re-learn many daily living skills. However, when it came time for his discharge, “I wasn’t ready to come home,” he said.
Council on Aging’s (COA) FastTrack Home program, which is part of the Hamilton County Elderly Services Program (ESP) and supported by the county’s Senior Services Levy, helped smooth Robin’s transition back to living independently.
FastTrack Home works to prevent costly return visits to the hospital by providing supportive, at-home services for up to 60 days after a patient leaves the hospital or skilled nursing facility. Assessment by a COA professional occurs at a patient’s bedside before release, allowing for services to be in place when they arrive home. Available services include home-delivered meals, medical transportation, home modifications and housekeeping assistance.
While Robin had some support from family and friends, he was still unsteady and risked falling – potentially ending up back in the hospital. He qualified for housekeeping assistance and installation of grab bars in his bathroom so he could safely bathe independently.
Each client has a care manager – perhaps the most valuable of all the program’s services. In Robin’s case, care manager “Kirsten came by and said let’s call your insurance company.” Kirsten found that Robin was eligible for an electronic monitoring system and a monthly $50 stipend for groceries through his health insurance program.
Kirsten also worked with Robin’s visiting nurse to clear up a medication discrepancy and followed up to ensure he understood his medications and communicated any concerns with his doctor. “What Kirsten did was above and beyond the call of duty,” Robin said.
Near the end of the 60-day period, FastTrack Home clients are evaluated to determine if they require continued support. If so, they may transfer to ESP, or another COA program, if they qualify. Robin transferred to Hamilton County ESP and is eligible to receive housekeeping assistance through the program.
He is grateful for the support provided by Kirsten, FastTrack Home and ESP. Without it, he said, “I’d still be unsteady and it would not be a good situation. I’d have some falls.”
“I’ll tell you one thing about a stroke,” Robin said. “You really have to learn to live again.” So, during his time at Drake, Robin worked hard to re-learn many daily living skills. However, when it came time for his discharge, “I wasn’t ready to come home,” he said.
Council on Aging’s (COA) FastTrack Home program, which is part of the Hamilton County Elderly Services Program (ESP) and supported by the county’s Senior Services Levy, helped smooth Robin’s transition back to living independently.
FastTrack Home works to prevent costly return visits to the hospital by providing supportive, at-home services for up to 60 days after a patient leaves the hospital or skilled nursing facility. Assessment by a COA professional occurs at a patient’s bedside before release, allowing for services to be in place when they arrive home. Available services include home-delivered meals, medical transportation, home modifications and housekeeping assistance.
While Robin had some support from family and friends, he was still unsteady and risked falling – potentially ending up back in the hospital. He qualified for housekeeping assistance and installation of grab bars in his bathroom so he could safely bathe independently.
Each client has a care manager – perhaps the most valuable of all the program’s services. In Robin’s case, care manager “Kirsten came by and said let’s call your insurance company.” Kirsten found that Robin was eligible for an electronic monitoring system and a monthly $50 stipend for groceries through his health insurance program.
Kirsten also worked with Robin’s visiting nurse to clear up a medication discrepancy and followed up to ensure he understood his medications and communicated any concerns with his doctor. “What Kirsten did was above and beyond the call of duty,” Robin said.
Near the end of the 60-day period, FastTrack Home clients are evaluated to determine if they require continued support. If so, they may transfer to ESP, or another COA program, if they qualify. Robin transferred to Hamilton County ESP and is eligible to receive housekeeping assistance through the program.
He is grateful for the support provided by Kirsten, FastTrack Home and ESP. Without it, he said, “I’d still be unsteady and it would not be a good situation. I’d have some falls.”
