When her Catholic Charities AIDS Services Case Manager met Jane, she weighed eighty-nine pounds. She couldn’t answer questions intelligibly and could barely talk. Any information regarding her situation and needs, her case manager had to obtain from Jane’s family or doctor. Jane had spent time in the community, homeless and non-communicative with her family. Sometimes, her family said, they had seen Jane from their cars, walking alongside the road. They pulled over immediately, happy just to know where she was, that she was safe.

At the beginning of service provision in the COBRA program, Jane was living with her sister. Her sister worked long days and was not around as a resource to Jane. There was no one to look after Jane or take her to her medical appointments. Shortly following the agency’s first meeting with her, Jane was admitted to Albany Medical Center. Staff was with her when she was admitted. Doctors determined that she was suffering from AIDS-related dementia.

Some time has passed and if you talk to Jane now, you might not know how very sick she had been. Since being released from the hospital, staff accompanies Jane to doctor’s appointments to ensure that her needs are met, questions are answered and that her doctor is apprised of any relevant updates. While her sister is at work, Jane is in a day program where she receives occupational therapy. She’s already gained thirteen pounds. She looks healthier and more vibrant.

During the case manager’s first few visits with Jane, she didn’t recognize who the case manager was from meeting to meeting. She would keep asking, “do I know you?”. Her case manager would reassure her and remind Jane once again who she was. Now, she smiles widely when her case manager walks through the door and says, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Catholic Charities AIDS Services staff is there to guide Jane and her family through service access to best meet her needs, helping to improve her health and functioning.