Providing Tools for Independence

Member Stories

08/01/2018

teenager in a wheelchair and grandfather walking a dog

Jacob is an outgoing teenager living with his grandparents in a split-level home. He also happens to have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which requires the use of an electric wheelchair for mobility.

The only way Jacob is able to go outside and access the main living areas of his home is to use a lift that was donated to his family. After years of use, the lift required repairs and eventually stopped working completely.

Suddenly, Jacob was not able to access the main level of his home - and more importantly - he was at risk in the event of a fire because he wouldn't be able to exit his home quickly or without assistance.

Watch the video below to see how Sunflower Health Plan's care coordinator, Cheryl, worked with Jacob's family to replace the electric lift. Now, Jacob lives as independently as possible, and is able to access both levels of his family's home. While Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a complicated condition, having a dedicated care coordinator can make all the difference.