Tessa has been self-directing her supports and services through Lakeland Care Inc. (LCI) since 2021. She continues to reside in her own home with family and has hired them to assist her with her medically complex daily routine which includes tracheostomy care, personal care, and routine home care.
With self-direction, Tessa remains empowered and sets the schedule. Her mother, Lana, says, “Tessa runs the house.” Tessa makes her needs known by blinking her eyes and using a roller ball on her laptop. She recently attended a wedding and frequently messages her family and friends. On her laptop, she enjoys authoring a short story, learning Japanese, watching videos, and playing games. She loves musicals, books, and getting her nails done weekly. Lana said, “I feel blessed to have the program.
The goal is to keep Tessa at home and the program supports that.” She said that the paperwork is straightforward and easy and that her Care Team is easy to work with. Tessa self-directing her services allows the flexibility for Lana to continue to work for a company outside of the home while still being able to support Tessa. When Tessa was asked what self-directing her services means to her, she said “I’m glad that I don’t have to deal with people I don’t know.” She likes that she is able be cared for in her home with the people she trusts.
Lakeland Care has been honored to support Tessa’s goals over the past 4 years. Tessa is a true example of overcoming difficult outcomes and the empowerment self-directing one’s care can provide.