William has been self-employed for over 30 years. At 65 years old, he does all his own repairs on lawn and snow equipment, as well as on his own vehicles. He runs his own mowing and plowing business and has provided this service to his customers for many years. Though he is active in the community, he also has some challenging medical needs. William has diabetes and stage 3 chronic kidney disease.
William’s support staff, Jeni, has worked with him for 12 years. Jeni works diligently to ensure he gets to his numerous medical appointments, helps him monitor his blood sugar levels, and makes sure he takes his daily medications at the appropriate times. She assists him in filling out his MA paperwork every 6 months, and also helps him establish and maintain his own health care directives. Because he owns his own business, Jeni helps William track his income and expenses so that he can do his taxes at the end of the year, and she also acts as his rep payee for Social Security. William comments:
“I’m so happy and pleased to have Jeni. She is a wonderful help to me.”
There’s something you should know:
If William didn’t have the 4 hours of support he receives each week, he would not be able to live on his own. He would most likely have to move in with his closest relative, who lives almost 2 hours away. He does not want to leave the life he has built here in Winona, or say goodbye to those he has formed relationships with over the years.