A Journey from Financial Hardship to Health and Happiness
Linda, a 62-year-old woman, had been dealing with more than just her health. She and her spouse were struggling with type II diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Managing these conditions was challenging enough, but financial constraints had made their situation almost unbearable. Linda had been running out of her medications, skipping doses and often went without eating to stretch their limited financial resources. Desperate and overwhelmed, she reached out for help in managing not just her medical and mental health but also her financial struggles.
How Conifer’s Personal Health Nurse (PHN) Helped
Linda’s Personal Health Nurse (PHN) understood the gravity of her situation right away. During the initial outreach call, the PHN conducted a thorough assessment and prioritized Linda’s most pressing needs: medications, food and financial assistance.
- Medical Assistance
The PHN contacted Linda’s primary care physician (PCP) to explain her financial difficulties. The compassionate PCP agreed to allow Linda to pay her payments overtime and provided samples of her essential medicines to ensure she didn’t miss any doses. - Food Security
Understanding the importance of nutrition in managing diabetes, the PHN researched local food pantries and provided Linda with detailed information on where she could receive food assistance. This immediate support meant Linda and her spouse no longer had to go hungry. - Financial Relief
The PHN referred Linda to a service specializing in financial and mental health support. By discussing Linda’s case with a case manager, the PHN facilitated a support plan. They suggested that Linda and her spouse consider filing for bankruptcy, which eventually stopped the garnishment of her spouse’s wages, providing much-needed financial relief. - Ongoing Support
The PHN provided continuous education on nutrition and the importance of medication adherence, which led to a significant improvement in Linda’s health.
Member Results
With her immediate needs addressed, Linda could focus on her health and well-being. She continued to receive assistance from the food pantry and utilized her new knowledge from the nutrition support to ensure that both she and her spouse had enough to eat. Her blood sugar levels dropped from 285 to the 100s, a remarkable achievement that reflected her newfound stability and care. Her finances improved, and Linda felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She could now buy healthier food and was committed to working with her PHN on health goals.
Linda’s life transformed from one of constant stress and deprivation to one of stability and hope. She expressed immense gratitude for the assistance she received, stating that the reduction in stress allowed her to enjoy life again. She even found joy in gardening, a hobby she had abandoned in the face of her struggles.
Conclusion
Linda’s story is a testament to the power of comprehensive and compassionate care. Through the tireless efforts of Conifer’s Personal Health Nurse, Linda’s life was not only stabilized but revitalized. The holistic approach addressing medical, nutritional, and financial needs exemplifies how coordinated care can lead to profound improvements in health outcomes and overall quality of life. Linda’s journey from hardship to happiness underscores the importance of accessible support and the profound impact it can have on individuals in crisis.
Individualized Approach
Personal. Health. Nurse.
Help members navigate the care continuum to find the right care, in the right setting, at the right time —go beyond episodic case management or chronic disease management.
Our Personal Health Nurses engage members and optimize benefit plan utilization through collaborative care management and heightened health literacy.
Conifer Health’s Population Health Management solutions are powered by ConiferCore® technology, a proprietary platform for:
Member Advocacy
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Care Navigation
Dedicated one-on-one collaboration and care planning with a Registered Nurse
Disease Management
Goal-based programs care for the person, not just the chronic condition
Case Management
Support members most at-risk for high-dollar or ineffective benefit utilization
Utilization Management
Maximize member access to the right care, in the right setting, at the right time