Upcoming meetings

We have a follow up meeting to the one we just had in December. There were several things that needed to be addressed, which came from that meeting and Mom was able to talk with Liz (the case management team's supervisor).

With my lil sister needing to take care of herself, I have stepped into the "gopher" role. That is ok. It needs done.

With this role, I need to do a bunch of visits with Paul's staff so I know where they are and what is needed for them to continue in caring for Paul. Found that they never received any information from the team of medical people in Kalispell. (no follow through on the sister's part here) Also, talked about things I noticed and that they noticed and coordinated efforts and clarified a few things.

I will be sending a request via email to get the information I need on his doctor's name and phone number so I can contact them and get this information before the meeting on the 28th.

I always hear from my mom and sister that this is micromanaging. I laugh at that. It isn't micromanaging anything when the family is the connecting rod between the 20-some services that work with Paul.

Yes, in theory, his case management and wrap around coordinating services should handle this, however in my experience, they get so bogged down by day to day operations that things fall through the cracks and mis-communication becomes mixed in or no communication.

Paul is not their only concern. He is OUR only concern. It can work well or it can get jumbled and when the family drops the ball on their end look out! My sister and mother have ran into this in the past year and half and are still struggling with having to step up more.

It is NOT easy or simple. It is complex and multi-dimensional with several entities pursuing their own objectives. I honestly feel that this is just the norm of having someone I care about in the situation Paul is in. It is worth every effort, even though sometimes I get drained. Balance is important between Paul's needs and my life.