Caring Neighbor and CICOA Open New Doors for Michael

Families sometimes have difficulty knowing how much care a loved one needs, and Michael’s family was no exception. A concerned neighbor, Melissa, called CICOA when she believed the 62-year-old with disabilities needed more attention.

“CICOA got me my Medicaid waiver and helped me start putting money in a trust, so I can save up for a new wheelchair,” said Michael, who has multiple sclerosis and severe arthritis, among other physical challenges.

Magic Key

With help from CICOA, Melissa makes sure Michael receives the daily assistance he needs to run errands and get to and from medical appointments. He also receives seven home-delivered meals per week, and eating nutritious food has helped Michael lose nearly 70 pounds since last summer.

Additionally, CICOA set Michael up with an automated medication dispenser, which makes it easier for him to remember to take his medicine. Melissa calls this “one of the best things that’s happened for him.”

Today Michael enjoys tinkering with electronic snap circuits, attending weekly Bible studies and cracking jokes with his cheeky sense of humor. He genuinely appreciates CICOA’s caring staff for being a positive force in his life.

“They have been a magic key that opened the door for me,” he said.