I was in and out of hospitals growing up. I have schizophrenia and OCD. I have engaged in self harm. I was an angry person. Medicaid benefits payed for a stay at a facility; which put me on a path to wellness and the ability to live independently.
“Without Medicaid benefits “I don’t know that I’d still be here”
While living at another residence I felt like I was relapsing and headed for another hospitalization. I was determined to find another place to live that would offer me more support. I completed the application, interviews and site visits to be accepted at Nashua Street assisted living
I have had no self-harm incidents now for two years. I have learned coping skills to deal with my anger and I make deliberate choices to stay safe. I also found the right people to help me.
Medicaid makes it possible for me to live at Nashua Street assisted living. The case manager is phenomenal; I really love all of the staff. The staff assists me with medication management, shopping, keeping appointments, and counseling to help me with my decision making. My success in combating my disease has come from the support by the staff of my assisted living residence. I haven’t had any hospitalizations since I moved here at the beginning of 2017.
I am grateful for the SSI and Medicaid assistance. Without these benefits it would be hard for me to stay motivated to continue to get better and improve myself.
All of my physical therapy, psychiatrists, psychologists and medications are paid for by Medicaid. I’m afraid of losing some or all of the benefits I need to stay well. My medication alone would be impossible for me to pay for. My biggest fear is that I will end up back in the state hospital where getting the support I need was very difficult or even worse I’ll become homeless.
Medicaid has changed my life. With the support I need I’m ready to make the next years of my life successful. I’m setting goals for myself. Keep safe, learn Spanish and write more music for the piano. I’d like to go back to school for a higher degree. For two years I’ve also worked as a volunteer peer specialist at Butler Hospital. I want to “pay it forward”. Even as I struggle myself I want to help others. I’m hoping to become a paid member of the hospital staff.