Mother with MS
A woman from Hampden County is living with Multiple Sclerosis. Using a cane to assist as she struggles to maintain balance, she frequently slipped, once falling in her shower. Alone most of the day, the situation began causing intense anxiety and depression while her teenage son and daughter had to be away most of the time. Her son also has special needs.
Adding to her isolation, she did no access to transportation. As a result, she couldn’t keep medical appointments that might have eased her condition, both physically and psychologically. Because of this, she was discharged by her Behavioral Health provider. The situation worsened and, with nowhere else to turn, she began using the local hospital Emergency Room for professional medical assistance. She became connected to the Care Alliance of Western Massachusetts.
Objective
To provide caring support and action to:
- improve the members mental and physical circumstances
- arrange transportation to and from the home
- reengage her with necessary medical and therapeutic services.
Impact of Care Alliance’s Comprehensive Care Coordination
Care Alliance of Western Massachusetts provided a personal Care Coordinator to consult, explore options, and develop strategies to ease the individual’s circumstances.
While establishing a mutual trusting relationship, the first challenge involved securing transportation to travel to and from appointments. The Care Coordinator assisted in registering and completing a Massachusetts PT-1 Request Form for medical-related transportation.
Next, the Coordinator reconnected the person with her former Behavioral Health and Primary Care Providers.
The Coordinator also helped secure a durable shower chair to help her move about safely.
Positive Results
As a result, she now has:
- Transportation to and from medical facilities
- Reinstated medical support network
- Peace of mind and security
- A trusted and reliable resource in Care Alliance of Western Massachusetts
If you have questions about services and how we can help please call the BHN Central Intake line at
(413)301-9355. If you need to get in touch with your Care Alliance care coordinator, please
(413)538-9020 for more information or email
LTSSCommunityPartner@bhninc.org.
Care Alliance of Western Massachusetts works with residents of Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Franklin Counties. We also provide services to residents of Athol, Petersham, Phillipston, and Royalston in Worcester County.
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