Harry* was a young adult living at home with his parents. Harry has a mental health diagnosis that significantly impacts his ability to interpret events that occur around him and interactions with people in his life. Over a short time period Harry had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals due to extreme agitation and illogical thinking that made an ongoing relationship with him almost impossible. His parents were terribly frustrated and Harry was very distressed.
The family engaged PLAN of PA for Care Management services. Harry’s Care Manager, Christine, enrolled him on the County MH housing wait list. She also worked with a local psychiatric hospital to arrange for an extended stay. This was possible due to her success in obtaining his Medicaid benefit. Christine also obtained his rightful Social Security benefit, which would eventually pay for room and board. Harry was eligible for both of these benefits, but had not been receiving them.
Within a year, Harry moved into a supported living program in an apartment setting with a roommate who is also in the program. This program offered daily living support staff and assistance with medication management.
Harry has now experienced a good deal of stability in his life and has begun reconnecting with his family. He routinely takes his medications and the support he receives from the program where he lives is very helpful. Christine is now working to connect Harry with some specialized treatment for his specific diagnosis. She hopes Harry may someday live in his own apartment outside of the program. She believes this is possible with the right supports and services to assist him in living a happy, healthy life.
*Harry’s name was changed to protect his identity.