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starsunshine Asked October 2016

Are there anyservices especially safe housing ,companionship and transportation not exclusively for medical care, and not by bus!

I am 61 years old , have been totally disabled for approx . from the result of my left side being crushed in an auto accident . It left me . with more disorders then I ever counted . I eventually required a total hip replacement on the same side , the last one locking since the 1st one kept slipping out since I virtually have no muscle mass . I developed fibromyalgia , RSD , carpal tunnel , TMJ and have had required several surgeries . I have some trouble with balance and walk with a cane usually . This past Nov . I fractured my spine . It was operated on but two disorders were left in my low back from the fall. I have been in Chronis Pain for most of my life , needing a Scoliosis fusion at 11 years old and wearing a body cast afterwards for 9 months . Even after my crash though , I don't ever remember experiencing the excruciating pain I now have that radiates often into my legs .I have just retained a reputable neurosurgeon who is running quite a few tests on me ...I only receive a small salary from SSDI , am single and don't drive due to the cruelties of PTSD since my cash . I cannot afford a supplement insurance medical plan so I only can rely on Medicare and do have a pharmaceutical plan for my many meds . Are there any services especially safe housing , companionship and transportation not exclusively for medical care , and not by bus !

GardenArtist Oct 2016
Star, your questions are quite broad. Perhaps if you started your own research based on the recommendations given, you'll find answers to some of your questions, and if you still need suggestions, at least you'll have narrowed down the scope of your inquiries.

starsunshine Oct 2016
so far, I am quite impressed with all of the helpful info . provided to me . thank you and I would appreciate it if there is any other info . available ,

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GardenArtist Oct 2016
Star, contact the Elder Law of Michigan agency. You can get the number by Googling it. It has a wealth of information for Michigan residents, including how to get food assistance and other benefits for which you might qualify.

Area Agency for Aging in Western Michigan is another source to contact. Ask if they hold a Caregivers' Expo.

Area Agency on Aging, Kent County is the parameter for googling and getting more information for seniors in Western Michigan.

starsunshine Oct 2016
Thank you . I will keep iIinvestigating this with your guidance , Relatively new to Kalmazoo and Mich . i'm not really familiar services . Can someone provide me with names , phone #s or emails , if possible , I will respond to the last email regarding my dog .Just wanted you t know she will be no bother and in fact add joy to wherever she is , a true sweetheart! ! thank you for all of your interest so much ! I really need it !

GardenArtist Oct 2016
I think you might want to re-evaluate your demands. I'm especially concerned about this comment:

'I do have an 12 year old 10 lb . dog who loves ppl and is very kind and gentle , never meeting a stranger . She must come with me wherever I go . This is a priority ! " If I understand correctly, your dog is a delightful friend but if she's never met a stranger, I don't understand how she's going to be able to go out in public w/o some anxiety or fear of her own. However, if you mean that no one is a stranger, even if your dog hasn't met them before, that's a different story.

In addition, when you're using transit provided by a service, you're subject to their rules. Paratransit would probably be more accommodating to animals, but if you don't want to use public transit, I'm really not sure what options there are other than hiring private service.

Follow CWillie's advice; I think your needs and mandates are complex and are going to require some compromise on your part but also need someone who can work with you on a one-to-one basis.

Good luck.

cwillie Oct 2016
Barri, you are posting on a forum of caregivers, ordinary people from around the world who are seeking advice. If you need help I suggest you contact your case manager (if you are on disability you must have one?) or your local Agency on Aging for their recommendations.

starsunshine Oct 2016
I think living with many ppl would be difficult for me . Above all , I need privacy although I would love some company at times . All physically disabled might be a bit much for me . I would prefer living with some ppl who still have most of their health just to be around them . I think a situation where I have 1-3 roommates would be more suitable for me . How would the transportation issue , not just for medical reasons but to be out in the world , be taken care of what type of rent is involved ? I do have an 12 year old 10 lb . dog who loves ppl and is very kind and gentle , never meeting a stranger . She must come with me wherever I go . This is a priority ! Thank you so much for your interest and assistance . Does your agency charge me a fee ? Sincerely , Barri M

cwillie Oct 2016
Would you consider living in a group home for physically disabled adults? You can ask the hospital social worker about what is available where you live or do an online search.

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