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Epilepsy Resources
EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF MINNESOTA EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA PEOPLE INCORPORATED AMERICAN EPILEPSY SOCIETY
FAQ
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QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT EPILEPSY SERVICES
IS THIS PROGRAM A GOOD FIT FOR ME?People Inc. EPILEPSY SERVICES (SEARCH) was created for people who have seizures that are difficult to control. Many of our participants are volunteers in drug studies and are taking the newest anti-seizure medications. Most clients are in their early to mid-twenties, and most come to us from their parents’ home. This is not a program for people with mental retardation – participants generally have low average intelligence or higher, and have completed high school.
WILL I MEET OTHER PEOPLE LIKE ME?
We guarantee that you will meet others at EPILEPSY SERVICES who have been through some of the same hard times with their epilepsy that you have. We have lots of social activities and participants meet monthly to plan new activities. You are not required to attend any of these, but they’re a great way to meet people.
HOW WILL I GET TO THE DOCTOR’S OR THE GROCERY STORE?
There are four public bus lines that run near the Cedars. From here, you can get anywhere in the metropolitan area by bus or taxicab. If you are new to using public transportation our staff will ride with you until you no longer want or need support. There are grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, banks, movie theaters and restaurants all within walking distance from the Cedars.
HOW WILL I PAY FOR MEDICAL BILLS? WHAT IF I HAVE A LARGE SPENDDOWN ON MEDICAL ASSISTANCE?
It can be difficult to get health insurance if you have a seizure disorder, but our counselors are trained to help you. Minnesota has many options now: MinnesotaCare, General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), Medical Assistance (MA) as well as Minnesota Comprehensive Health Insurance (MCHA). Your choices depend on whether you are working, your disability status and whether you are living with your family or not. Neurologist visits, medications, psychologist and psychiatrist visits all add together to make epilepsy expensive. Our counselors have helped many people figure out their Medical Assistance questions. Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MAEPD) is a program that helps many people.
WHAT ABOUT PAYING MY BILLS AND UNDERSTANDING GOVERNMENT FORMS? DO YOUR STAFF HELP WITH THIS?
Most people at EPILEPSY SERVICES rely on a combination of money they earn and government assistance. Learning how to balance work and SSI or RSDI benefits is an art in itself. We will walk you through all the steps, help you fill out the forms, and work with you to make sure your rent, phone and other bills get paid.
DO YOU HELP PEOPLE GET JOBS OR GO TO SCHOOL?
EPILEPSY SERVICES Program Counselors help people learn about job resources, help people get to appointments, job fairs and follow through with their school and job counselors.
WHY DOES PEOPLE INC EPILEPSY SERVICES MONITOR MEDICATIONS?
Helping people take charge of their seizures by becoming self-reliant with medical care is one of the main goals of this program. Having as few as one or two seizures a year can affect someone’s ability to maintain a driver's license or feel comfortable going out in the community. Unfortunately, it’s fairly common for individuals with epilepsy to have difficulty remembering to take their medication or to take it on time. EPILEPSY SERVICES is involved in monitoring client medications because this is one of the most important skills a person with epilepsy can learn.
EPILEPSY SERVICES matches the level of monitoring with the person’s skills. Some people need reminders to take every dose while others just need help to order and pick up medication refills on time. How long you work with us on medication monitoring goals depends on how quickly you master the art of being self-reliant with medication.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THE EPILEPSY SERVICES PROGRAM?
There is no required length of stay. People are ready to leave when they have completed the goals in their individual plan and have a safe, stable life in the community. The average stay is 18 months but the range is 6 – 36 months depending on the person.
WHAT IS A DAILY CHECK-IN?
A daily check-in during the first month gives EPILEPSY SERVICES staff an idea of each person’s seizure frequency. Most people will check in only for the first 30 days they are receiving services and it can be as simple as a phone call saying you are all right. We are not interested in prying into your personal life. Some people who have frequent seizure related injuries choose to have daily contact after their first 30 days.
HOW OFTEN WILL I MEET WITH EPILEPSY SERVICES COUNSELORS?
In order to provide enough support and training, staff need to meet with you several times each week the first few months you are in the program, and then weekly as you get closer to graduation. During meetings you talk about how you are doing and work on achieving your goals. Meeting times are flexible.
WHAT IS AN INDIVIDUAL TRAINING PLAN (ITP)?
Individual Training Plans are a list of each person’s goals and objectives. Every three months, clients and their counselors review and update the goals and objectives. EPILEPSY SERVICES tailors ITPs to each person’s strengths and needs based on the initial Independent Living Skills Assessment done when a new client starts EPILEPSY SERVICES. The ITP is a written agreement about what counselors and clients will work on for the quarter.
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