Home Health Care

For one week each summer LSI's home health care staff in Ames becomes part of an extraordinary rite of passage.

At Iowa State University every July, dozens of Iowa high school juniors and seniors with disabilities gather for a forum on leadership and advocacy. For some, it's their first time away from home. Making that milestone possible is the job of LSI's home health care staff.

"A lot of these youth never get away from home because of their disabilities," said Lou Ann Williams, LSI nursing coordinator. "This is their opportunity to do things other kids can do."

The Iowa Division of Persons with Disabilities hosts the forum and relies on LSI to provide health care for the students. That could include bathing, helping a student up and out of bed, assisting with a ventilator or carrying trays for a blind student at lunch.

Lou Ann and her staff personally call every parent or student to introduce LSI and do an assessment of all their needs, big or small. Then Lou Ann lines up any equipment they need from hospital beds to shower chairs.

"They're pretty excited that we care about the needs and would want to know," Lou Ann said. "Sometimes parents say 'He can do everything for himself except tie his shoes.' And then it's neat to know that's what we'll be able to provide for him that week."

Because of LSI's care, the youth can relax and be comfortable without worrying about the level of care, said Mike Williams, with the Iowa Division of Persons with Disabilities. Some of the youth have learning disabilities or autism, and the LSI staff help make sure they are comfortable so they can get the most out of the forum.

It's also an opportunity for teens to manage their care for the first time.

"Before their parents or school nurse may have handled everything, so they get an opportunity to grow up a bit and direct their own care," Mike said. "That's not easy. Sometimes they are nervous or afraid. Lou Ann and LSI understand this and help with it, allowing it to happen."

As a student with a disability, Sam Edwards from Marshalltown said personal care is always a big concern for her when she travels.

"The LSI staff eased that concern," she said. "They were friendly, considerate and extremely helpful. But most importantly, they listened to my needs and tried to help me in ways that were the most comfortable for me."

Jeff Schmidt, a student from Des Moines, said he hopes to go back to the forum as a counselor.

"It was one of the best events I've ever attended," he said. "I learned about so many other people's disabilities and how to be a good advocate for yourself. I really made a lot of new friends."

For LSI staff, the best part is seeing students like Sam and Jeff find a new confidence.

"We love to see how they grow over the week and learn to advocate for themselves," Lou Ann said. "There is a luncheon at the end, and the kids get up and talk about what they have learned. Their parents are in tears, we are in tears, and the youth are ready to go out in the world on their own."