report from our case manager

We have a wonderful case manager, who mainly helps our on applying for government assistance and some attention to medical care.  She was our case manager when my brother lived in a Supported Living Arrangement and then her services were free.  As my brother's physical situation deteriorated, he could no longer live on his own, and the State of Illinois was aboslutely useless in finding him a place to live.  Bascially what he really needs is 24/7 supervision, meals prepared, and general ego support.  It's not easy to spend time with him because he is mildly autistic and can't keep up his side of a conversation very long, and of course not, he is very weak and can't go places very easily.  Anyhow, our case manager is great, but her services are limited because she supports several group homes and living situations besides my brother's and I have to pay for the services myself.  I am really happy that my parents left me enough funds, at least for right now, to pay for all of this.  I thought it would be interesting to post the email that she just sent me today, I took out any references to real names:

{Your brother} never answers his phone. I went over to NSH on Wednesday and met with Barry. He was a little ornery that I came unexpected although I had left a message on his voice mail that I was coming. Barry signed the legal consents I needed for the file for 2011. We visited with [another tenant who used to live in the same Supported Living Arrangement. Your brother's assistant from the Department of Aging (she's new, but so far I, the sister, like her) arrived late due to a delay with public transportation.  I showed her where the antibiotic ointment was for your brother's abrasions.  Your brother would not apply it since he said he needed some vaseline to put on first. The assistant cleaned your brother's hearing aid and then shaved him. She did a good job. We aired out his bedroom because it stank. I showed the assistant where the big blue plastic cups were. I filled up a cup of water and asked her to have your brother finish it. I had to leave, but Gloria said she would do your brother's laundry and remember to shut the window. I took your brother to get his orthotics today. I gave him some vaseline. We went for a smoothie. He was looking very tired. I could not get him to finish his water or smoothie. I will take him to Myers Center for the Eye on Thursday for his appointment. I offered to take him for a haircut after the appointment but he said that would not be necessary ( he looks a little scruffy). I will bring air fresheners and spray to keep in his apartment.I hope you had a nice vacation. Your brother was fine. Happy New Year!

So you can see my brother can easily take over your life.  But like my friend said, there are people out there willing to help. And of course, I have the funds to assist him.  I shudder to think what it would be like if I didn't.