Reflecting on the Impact of Holistic Care
In 2016, Warm Springs Foundation saw a need to better serve people with life-altering injuries and the gap in care for their everyday lives, families and caregivers. The result, ConnectAbility, a passion initiative intended to bridge the gap through comprehensive and holistic services and supports.
“What made us different was that we were creating a program where we would meet clients in person and walk alongside them as they navigated their new journey,” says Ashley Longoria, director of programs. “We felt like we could be an extension of what a case manager or social worker is doing in the hospital. We could follow up on a client’s discharge and what happens after they return home and are faced with the new reality of what their life will look like.”
Today, ConnectAbility provides support for clients with life-altering injuries and conditions through services such as care coordination, support groups and mentoring to connect clients with community resources and support their families.
“We work very closely alongside individuals who have sustained traumatic injuries and their caregivers to help navigate their new life,” says Ashley. “We can support everything from navigating systems related to their care, all the way to helping to ensure that they still have community throughout the journey.”
Despite this comprehensive and holistic approach, it took time before the ConnectAbility’s team would see clients taking full advantage of their programs. The most crucial sell was the importance of community.
“Community and having a support system is critical for people no matter how many years after their diagnosis or injury,” says Ashley. “When a client first experiences a life-altering injury, everybody runs to the front to help. As time goes on, we have to think about how we can continue to ensure that people aren’t isolating or that they find a new community of those with similar experiences where they feel comfortable.”
Clients who have experienced a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, stroke or other related injuries and conditions can find the support they need at no cost, regardless of income or insurance status. Additionally, clients have the opportunity to become connected to a community of people with similar experiences.
“It’s been amazing for us to see clients that we served back in 2018 just start coming to participate in our educational and community programs,” says Ashley. “That to me shows that we’re doing more than just meeting you at the hospital and helping you get your wheelchair and a ramp at home. Now you’ve become part of our community.”
What started as passion initiative now has served over one thousand individuals through care coordination services, support groups, peer mentoring and educational workshops. Now entering its tenth year of care, the passion is only reinforced for Ashley and everyone at ConnectAbility.
“We have a small intimate team who are all invested, work hard and meet people in very difficult places in their lives,” says Ashley. “When you’re able to go into someone’s home, that is when you get to be part of a deeper layer in a client’s life. We become part of that circle of support alongside their family, friends and medical team.”
Key Takeaways:
- Read more stories about ConnectAbility, their mission and their impact here.
- Learn more about the WSF Circle of Care, a group of quality rehabilitative care and social community based organizations.