Public Authority Consumer Roxann’s Recovery

Aug 5, 2024 | Blog

On May 8, 2024, Roxann, a 77-year-old woman living in San Jose, California, suffered a fall resulting in a broken hip which left her bed-bound and in urgent need of comprehensive support. Roxy’s situation was further complicated by malnutrition, an unmanageable living environment, and the need for a colostomy bag,

Thankfully, a Registry Specialist from Public Authority Services by Sourcewise (Public Authority) and a Case Manager from Ability Path realized Roxy’s situation and referred her to the Care Coaching Program and the On-Call Registry. This led to a coordinated effort between the Registry Manager, Care Coordinator, and On-Call Registry staff to conduct an initial home visit to assess her situation and identify areas needing improvement to which they found Roxy’s living conditions in a dire state. Her two-bedroom, one-bathroom home had become almost uninhabitable due to clutter and lack of cleanliness, which restricted access to needed areas such as the kitchen, living room, restroom, and bedroom.

The On-Call Registry by Sourcewise provided temporary care providers and assisted in increasing Roxy’s Back-Up Provider Service (BUPS) hours from 80 to 160, with the approval from her IHSS Social Worker, ensuring that she received the necessary support beyond regular hours. Eventually, Roxy was matched with a full-time Independent Provider through the Regular Registry, who assisted with personal care and helped create a safe, clean, and functional living space.

The Independent Care Provider from the Regular Registry went above and beyond by undertaking a thorough deep cleaning of Roxy’s house. They removed 37 large trash bags of clutter, requiring three pick-up routines, the bed was re-positioned to better accommodate her adaptive equipment, and the home furniture were rearranged for safer traversing. Additionally, her restroom and kitchen received deep cleaning, and her refrigerator was stocked with fresh food.

These changes enabled her to have proper meals, use the restroom, take warm showers, and prepare healthy meals. Roxy can now get dressed, roam around in her home with an electric wheelchair, and enjoy a stroll in her neighborhood, wearing sunglasses with a big smile. All thanks to the combined efforts of the Registry Manager, On-Call, and Care Coaching Programs at the Public Authority, IHSS Social Worker, and Case Manager from Ability Path who contributed to the transformation of Roxy’s mental state, well-being, and living environment to become a functional, welcoming, and habitable space.

Roxy’s story demonstrates how the act of joined efforts from organizations like the Public Authority, IHSS, and Ability Path can transform lives and foster independence. These collaborative efforts ensured Roxy’s recovery and highlights the value these organizations bring to the community of Santa Clara County.