Case Studies  

A New Start

   Following 30 years of intense inpatient and outpatient treatment at the most distinguished Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Centers in the country, a steady decline in the ability to accomplish his activities of daily living, a decline in occupational and social functioning, and an increase in ritualistic behaviors, Michael's family had hit their breaking point. Michael is a 45 year-old, single male who was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and a history of alcohol abuse. He was court ordered to live in a Chicago private housing program following his last hospitalization, the family's last hope of stabilizing his chronic symptoms. Within the first few months of his stay at this housing program it was evident that Michael had little to no insight or judgment into his illness. He did not understand how the supportive, structured living environment was to assist him in meeting his long term goals. His behaviors began to negatively affect the milieu. The family was advised to begin searching for yet another placement for Michael since this current placement was unable to provide Michael with the supervision and attention he required. It was then that the family was referred to Life Care Innovations (LCI) as a possible alternative to relocating Michael.

   The first few months with Michael were difficult but promising. Michael's symptomology manifested itself through obsessions, delusions, ruminations, and severe anxiety that prevented him from independently managing himself and maintaining his most basic day to day needs. Over time, LCI developed a rapport with Michael and focused on providing individualized and specialized professional care to him. LCI has since been successful in working with Michael (in small steps) through a process of identifying objectives and goals to achieve a higher level of functional independence. With assistance from LCI, Michael has reached a point that his interdisciplinary team of providers along with his family had long thought impossible. He is now actively addressing his ongoing issues and continues to make leaps and bounds in managing his symptoms. With ongoing Care Management and coordination of services from his team of providers and family, a consistent plan of care has been implemented and maintained resulting in improvements in his level of functioning and overall well being. Most importantly, Michael is at a place in his life that at one time seemed unattainable; he can maintain his personal space, independently execute his ADL's, identify and discuss his emotions, and he is in the process of creating his resume. Michael cannot wait to make a new start on his own while managing his medical and psychological needs and with LCI's continued support, he has a greater chance everyday. back. . .