Son Becomes Intouch Caregiver for Grateful Dad
When Chris Blazer got the call that his father, Michael, 74, was struggling after two back surgeries and living with chronic kidney disease, he didn’t hesitate. He left his home in Texas and returned to Chicago, determined to help.
His dad’s health had been declining, compounded by a severe bout of COVID-19, high blood pressure, and memory issues. His father needed regular home care.
After Michael and Chris chose Intouch Home Care Services from Lutheran Social Services (LSSI), they decided that Chris would become his full-time caregiver rather than having a stranger come into the home.
Chris had learned that the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) provides funding for a wide range of services for low-income older adults and their caregivers. While Medicare is the primary health insurance for those 65 and older, this act allows for a family caregiver to be paid through Medicaid as a preferred worker.
When a family chooses Intouch Home Care, the program supervisor asks whether a family member will act as the caregiver or if they would like to be assigned one. Preferred workers undergo the same training and in-service education as other caregivers and are paid by Medicaid through Intouch.
Now, Chris handles everything in the home for his father, from cooking and cleaning to yard work and errands. More importantly, he’s helped his father regain strength, confidence, and connection. “I was ecstatic when his health bounced back,” he said.
Michael, once isolated and depressed after the sudden loss of his wife, now walks with a cane and manages his medications. A physical therapist helped Michael rebuild strength in his legs to the point where he’s dreaming of hiking again.
“His memory is better. He’s coming around,” Chris said. “Being together every day, I tell him things I would tell my best friend. For him to be where he is now is a blessing beyond words.”
Chris also praises LSSI’s Intouch Program for its support. “They’ve been solid. Genise Greene, Manager of Home Care Services, has really gone to bat for me,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade this for the world.”
Click here to learn more about LSSI’s Intouch Home Care Services.
Photo Caption: Intouch Home Care Assistant Chris Blazer, right, at home with his dad Michael.
