Overcoming healthcare challenges as a team

Posted on by Paul Place Stories

Before the pandemic, Linda was gearing up to go back to work after a hiatus due to her health. Then the virus necessitated shut downs. She had been planning to start physical therapy to improve her overall health and mobility, knowing that would put her in the best possible position to secure a job.

Linda is a regular visitor to Paul’s Place. She is often found in our computer lab reviewing listings and receiving help with her resume and online job applications.

Even with the stay-at-home order, Linda remained motivated and decided to spend the time she has during the pandemic on self-improvement with the goal of being ready for work when the order is lifted.

To stay on course, Linda reached out to a familiar and trusted resource: Paul’s Place. There, she started working with Housing Case Manager Travis Ridgeway.

Accessing healthcare resources

Facing challenges with healthcare is frustrating, but it’s even more difficult during a pandemic. Travis started by talking with Linda about accessing healthcare resources. Linda was looking for a physician who accepted her insurance, and also a doctor’s office that was near convenient public transportation. With the increased availability of telemedicine during the pandemic, Travis and Linda agreed that the best and most sensible option would be taking advantage of virtual doctor’s appointments.

Travis helped Linda find and connect to a provider that met her needs and stayed in touch to ensure Linda holds onto the hope she has for improved health and future work.

Barriers to resources during a crisis

Barriers may increase during a crisis, but so does the determination of the staff at Paul’s Place. If the determination of Paul’s Place case management team members inspires you, consider supporting their work with a donation made safely on our website.

The Paul’s Place team aims to increase the hope Linda and so many other guests feel because they have a place – and people – to turn to.

Barriers may increase during a crisis, but so does the determination of the staff at Paul’s Place.

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Accessing healthcare resources during a pandemic

Posted on by Paul Place Stories

Jonathan is a familiar face at Paul’s Place. A regular at lunch, he enjoys greeting guests and volunteers, and can often be found helping with morning set-up of the dining room. Jonathan is unable to work and has limited mobility, but is always ready with a smile and a hello.

With so many services temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his routine upended, Jonathan was particularly worried about managing his health. Specifically, he needed two medications refilled and replacement diabetic equipment.

Connecting to a Case Manager

Jonathan reached out to Housing Case Manager Travis Ridgeway. Travis helped Jonathan think through his options and outline the exact steps he could take to secure the medications he needed.

With some assistance from Travis, Jonathan was able to connect with his doctor’s office and his prescriptions were sent to a pharmacy.

Every problem has a solution

While many can still get to the pharmacy during the pandemic, Jonathan was worried about how he would secure his medication. In addition to his poor health making it a challenge to travel, his access to public transportation was suddenly severely limited due to COVID-19.

He again turned to Travis who encouraged Jonathan to call his pharmacy and explore options. In speaking with the pharmacy, Jonathan was able to request direct delivery of his medicine and equipment.

Routines, once established, can feel impossible to change. In this case, solving everyday problems, especially health-related ones, alone can feel like a barrier all by itself. 

The work we do at Paul’s Place makes change possible by helping to remove barriers and connect guests to needed resources while helping them solve problems as we go.

When the challenge of a global pandemic is added to existing barriers of access to healthcare and transportation, it can feel overwhelming. Jonathan knew where he could turn to for assistance: Paul’s Place.

When the challenge of a global pandemic is added to existing barriers of access to healthcare and transportation, it can feel overwhelming.

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READ ANOTHER STORY...

Doing whatever is necessary to help

August 2, 2020

Months before COVID-19 hit, Bob arrived in downtown Baltimore at the bus station without knowing where his next meal was coming from or where he would put his head down for the night. Bob found Paul’s Place.

Read More »