Home Health Care

When June flooding prompted a voluntary evacuation at Elsie Mason Manor in downtown Des Moines, resident Norma Riley wasn't worried.

Stepping in water wasn't a concern, she said. At least not in her third-floor apartment.

"If the water gets high enough to come in here, then there's a real problem," she joked.

But Norma had another reason for feeling secure. LSI staff had stopped to check on her and gave her instructions explaining the situation and a list of all her prescriptions in case she had to leave.

"We found out what was going on and put together a notice," said Lanice Goettsch, an LSI service coordinator at Elsie Mason Manor. "We also have some residents who resettled from Hurricane Katrina, so we made sure we talked to each one of them to see if they were okay or had any anxiety."

The historic floods are just one recent example of how LSI's service coordinators are a faithful resource and advocate for the 280 residents at both Elsie Mason Manor and Ligutti Tower, high-rise apartment buildings that offer affordable, independent living to elderly or disabled individuals.

Residents pay 30% of their monthly income for rent, and the rest is covered through HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The service coordinator position is part of a nationwide, grant-funded program. Service coordinators enable the elderly and persons with disabilities to remain independent by connecting them with community resources, answering their questions or advocating on their behalf. It's a program that can help keep individuals from facing the higher costs of assisted living or nursing home care.

Because Elsie Mason Manor is independent living, the program is voluntary, Lanice explained.

"We introduce ourselves and let them know that we exist, but we do not intrude on their lives," she said.

LSI can assist with a variety of needs, from connecting residents to community resources, sorting through a breach of lease or eviction issue or even pairing them with a bill payer, Lanice said.

She holds up some of the paperwork on her desk as an example. One form is for a man who wants to be part of a commodities program, which brings food once a month to residents who qualify. This man didn't qualify because his income was $15 over the limit.

Enter the LSI service coordinator. Lanice contacted the man's physician, who confirmed it was critical for him to part of the program. Sending a physician statement with the application should help the resident receive the monthly food boxes.

It's issues like these that can be tough for residents to tackle on their own.

"I can't imagine having memory loss, anxiety or mental health issues, and then trying to figure out all the paperwork," Lanice said. "Residents can be so overwhelmed they become paralyzed."

In another recent instance, LSI helped prevent two evictions for residents who failed an inspection. By connecting the residents to a homemaking service, they were able to remain in their apartments.

From setting up flu shots and seminars to helping residents navigate insurance changes, LSI's service coordinators help make it possible for individuals to stay independent.

"It's because of the services from Lutheran Services in Iowa that I can stay here," said Norma, who has lived in Elsie Mason Manor for eight years. "They help me with things I can't do for myself."