Jul 28, 2021 Reporting from Niles, MI
A helping hand when you need it most - Thomas Moore
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/how-we-compare/our-patients/Detail/a-helping-hand-when-you-need-it-most/?utm_source=A_helping_hand_when_you_need_it_most&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Jul 28, 2021
Jul 28, 2021
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Sixty-year-old, Thomas Moore, is no stranger to health scares. Over the past five years, he has had two strokes. The second stroke happened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021 and left him with both physical and mental ailments t
A helping hand when you need it most - Thomas Moore
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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A helping hand when you need it most - Thomas Moore
Jul, 2021
Sixty-year-old, Thomas Moore, is no stranger to health scares. Over the past five years, he has had two strokes. The second stroke happened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021 and left him with both physical and mental ailments that would change his life forever.
“I used to fish and walk down the pier every day when the weather allowed me to,” said Thomas. “After my second stroke I had trouble with balance and could no longer walk long distances. The weakness in my limbs were not the only symptoms I had. I also had a very difficult time reading numbers and words.”
Thomas was also laid off twice throughout the pandemic which made other areas of his life more difficult. Due to these new barriers, Thomas knew he needed assistance filing for unemployment, disability, and housing support.
“When I was first laid off, I tried filing for unemployment by myself and with the help of a friend, but I just couldn’t figure it out,” said Thomas.
Thomas had heard about the Center for Better Health and Wellness, which had recently opened in his hometown of Benton Harbor and decided to schedule a visit to discuss his options.
“It was a pleasant environment—everyone I encountered was very helpful and welcoming,” said Thomas. “The whole process was so simple and all I needed to bring with me was my driver’s license.”
Thomas met with staff at the center to help him file for unemployment. He was surprised at how much easier the process was with help, as opposed to trying to figure it out on his own. Three weeks later, Thomas received his first unemployment check.
Housing assistance was another service Thomas utilized at the center. Staff helped him apply and get approved for emergency government funding so he could pay rent. Thomas said he feels relieved knowing he can now afford three months of rent while he searches for a new place.
Thomas also worked with a legal navigator for assistance with long-term disability to help him afford the cost of living while he is unable to work.
“It’s been an uncomfortable journey due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I would be in even worse shape without patience and assistance from center staff. I’m still on the hunt for a rental, but I’m so happy that there are easy-to-use social and legal resources available in Benton Harbor.”
For more information about services available at the Center for Better Health, call 269.408.2258 or email centerforbetterhealth@spectrumhealth.org