Diabetic Senior Receives the Help He Needs

Juan, a 66 year old Lake County resident who lives with his daughter’s family is an insulin-dependent diabetic without medical insurance. His family must absorb the financial responsibility of his medical care. Juan turned to Lifeline for the Empowerment and Development of Consumers, the Lake County Community Action Agency, for assistance with his diabetic needs.

His required insulin was over $500 a month and was an economic and emotional strain on his family. “I worry a lot about him, about how we will manage his health,” his daughter Rosie explained. During his appointment with the health services coordinator, Juan learned about the Eye Care Assistance Program that Lifeline also offered. He had not had an eye exam in many years and worried about damage to his eyes from his diabetic condition. At the conclusion of the appointment, Juan had a voucher to receive his insulin, as well as an exam scheduled with an eye doctor.

“I worry less because of the programs from Lifeline,” Rosie said. “I can focus on my kids knowing that my dad has help. We rely on Lifeline’s health programs for my dad.”

Juan is working to maintain his health with the help of his family. He is better able to manage his diabetes by taking his insulin as prescribed and has been receiving the needed follow-up care for his eyes through Lifeline’s partnership with Prevent Blindness Ohio.

For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit www.oacaa.org. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer health programs.