Ginger

Ginger leads a self-determined life. As a member with Lakeland Care, Inc. (LCI) it is no surprise that Ginger self-directs her services and supports, by hiring her own employees, to meet her long-term care outcomes. According to Ginger, self-directing her services is an integral part of her care preferences as “I have a choice in who I have take care of me.”

In October 2023, Ginger was chosen to lead a breakout session, alongside LCI staff, on Community Connections at the Self-Determination Conference in WI Dells. Community connections is an area of importance for Ginger: “If you self-direct, you can connect with people in your local community in other ways.”

When Ginger’s self-directed support employees could not attend the conference, Ginger struggled to find a caregiver. With partnership from Ginger’s LCI Care Manager, Kim, LCI’s Self-Directed Support Department, and her Self-Directed Support Financial Management Service Agency, GT Financial, caregiver options were located. From those options, Ginger was able to hire a temporary caregiver, Gretchen, to support her during the Self-Determination Conference. Per Ginger, “We hit it off right away.” Ginger has since asked Gretchen to support her for years to come at the Self-Determination Conference! According to Ginger, “You never know who you are going to inspire.”

At Lakeland Care, our mission is not just a set of words; it guides and defines everything we do. We are committed to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and inspiring futures. Ginger and Gretchen’s story does just that.

To learn more about Lakeland Care’s Self-Directed Supports and Services, visit https://www.lakelandcareinc.com/members-families/family-care/self-directed-supports/