news-record.com

There is a saying, "Some people come into our lives and quietly go; others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."

There were hugs, smiles and immediate recognition when Lynn Suits and Tammy Bennett Smith finally met at Guilford County's Department of Social Services. They had left footprints on each other's hearts, and were now meeting in person for the first time.

For three years, Suits had only talked on the phone to Bennett Smith, the adult Medicaid lead eligibility case worker at DSS who helped her and gave her hope that a facility would be found for her mother who has Alzheimer's.

Suits' mother had lived in an assisted living facility on Medicaid, but when she got a small increase in her pension, she became ineligible for Medicaid and had to move.

Suits turned to DSS for help. Bennett Smith, who became her case worker over a period of about three years, not only listened to her concerns, but took the time to give her much-needed information regarding Medicaid rules.

"Tammy made the Medicaid process tolerable," Suits said. "People need compassion and guidance to work through the Medicaid maze. Tammy offered this and much more."

Bennett Smith found a senior living facility that Suits' mother would quality for, based on age and income.

Her mother lived at this home until her Alzheimer's progressed to the point that a memory-care unit was needed.

"My family was terrified at what was happening, but we were fortunate in having Tammy to help us," Suits said.

"I called her and shared our concerns. Without fail, she offered help, recommended a home with a memory-care unit and urged us to visit the home."

By mid-October this year, Suits' mother finally received Medicaid benefits, which allowed her to move into her new home at Woodland Place Communities in the Veranda Memory Care Unit.

"My family and I are thanking God daily for this blessing," Suits said. "I cannot describe the relief we feel in knowing Mother is now surrounded by people who know how to care for her and other people with Alzheimer's. We are full of joy."

Bennett Smith has worked for Social Services for 20 years.

She said determining Medicaid eligibility is difficult because it requires knowing all about a person's income, resources, living arrangements and medical conditions.

"The people that we service are usually in crisis," she said. "Either they are sick and need help with medical expenses, or they are caregivers trying to find a positive solution to an immediate need."

She said she has worked on every type of adult Medicaid case there is, including as long-term care for people needing skilled nursing home care, special assistance for people needing assisted living care and private living arrangements for people who need help with general medical expenses and people who need help paying the Part B Medicare premiums.

Asked what she advises people who are going on Medicaid or have a loved one going on Medicaid, she said they should become involved and assist their caseworker by providing the requested information as quickly as possible.

"If you have a loved one that needs placement in a facility," she said, "research the facility and talk with the doctor. If you need help finding a facility, let DSS know so we can refer you to our aging and adult services social workers. "

She said a lot of questions regarding placement are answered at www.dhhs.sate.nc.us/aging/ombud.htm

"You have heard the old saying 'Sometimes you find your niche, and sometimes it finds you,'" Bennett Smith said. "Well, adult Medicaid found me. My job and I have become old friends over the years. Sometimes we don't agree, but we are still together."

She said she has met "many amazing people over the years and have shared in their struggles and rejoiced in their victories."

"Sometimes the road is long and full of obstacles," she said, "but when I am able to help some who are unsure of how they're going to pay their hospital bill or how they're going to pay the costs of having a loved one at a care facility, it is a really good feeling."

Suits has appreciated the people at DSS who have given her support and direction in a time of crisis

"When you are a Medicaid recipient, you already feel humbled and hoping beyond hope that someone will understand and care enough to help," Suits said.

"This is where Tammy Bennett Smith comes in -- a seasoned veteran at DSS who has the gift of going the extra mile," she said.

E-mail Peggy Longmire at rlongmire@triad.rr.com or call her at 336-288-9040.