IPMG Consumer Cristy Robinson discusses
her new living arrangements with IPMG Supervisor Melissa Nightingale.

Franklin -- Cristy Robinson wipes away the tears as she recalls the day that her Johnson County neighborhood flooded. "When the water started coming up, I never thought it would ever get to my house," she said. "But when it did, boy, was I really scared, but I tried hard to be brave."

The effect of the flooding was amplified by the 26-year old Edinburgh resident's situation. As an individual with a developmental disability, Robinson, who is paralyzed from the waist down, relies on a motorized electric wheelchair and other specialty equipment to assist her throughout the day. Along with her personal belongings and a handicap-accessible place to live, Robinson's vital medical equipment was also lost or damaged during the flood.

When Indiana Professional Management Group (IPMG) Supervisor Melissa Nightingale first found out about Robinson's situation, she immediately took action. As the sole provider for case management services to more than 10,000 Hoosiers receiving an Autism, Developmental Disabilities, or Support Services Waiver, IPMG case management professionals such as Nightingale work to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their goals through innovative case management services, utilizing 21st Century technology and creative techniques.

All individuals receiving an Autism, Developmental Disabilities, or Support Services Medicaid waiver in Indiana are supported by a team of IPMG professionals, including more than 350 case managers, supervisors, and others across the state, who work to ensure all actions are focused on the needs of the waiver recipient. In this circumstance, Nightingale's primary concern was Robinson's health and welfare.

"My first objective was to find Cristy, and Steve and Cindy, her parents, whom she lives with," she said. "At the time, standard land lines weren't working well locally, cell phone service was out in many places, and no one was at the flooded home." After following a series of leads provided by Robinson's neighbors in Edinburgh, Nightingale tracked down Steve Rottinghouse, Robinson's step-father, at a local business.

"It was different when Melissa showed up. It really surprised us that there was someone out there who could help us, because we hadn't found any help for Cristy at that point. We tried the Red Cross and our insurance company, and they both said they couldn't help us. We just didn't know what to do," said Steve. "And then Melissa showed up and got to work."

A quick discussion about Robinson's current situation made it clear the best type of creative assistance Nightingale could provide should be finding Robinson's adequate, accessible living arrangements.

"She was staying at a home that was not wheelchair accessible and she couldn't access the shower," explained Nightingale. "Additionally, Cristy was sleeping on a couch rather than a hospital bed as she requires."

Nightingale made an after-hours call to Teresa Human, Program Director for Putnam County Comprehensive Services, during which she explained Robinson's situation and the need for immediate placement into a new residence. Human located a wheelchair-accessible apartment with immediate occupancy available within hours.

In order to provide emergency housing for her, IPMG South Central District Director Kathyleen Tompkins made immediate contact with the State of Indiana with a request for collaboration to meet Robinson's need.

"The State was immediately responsive to meeting Cristy's needs," stated Tompkins. "IPMG maintains a close, working relationship with the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, and the quick response to this circumstance is reflective of that."

A part of Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) ensures the federally-mandated waiver program is administered according to Medicaid requirements.

"In addition to ensuring the health and safety of the people we support, we work with each individual to help them achieve goals of independent living and full inclusion in the community. Quickly addressing the needs of people with disabilities during the flooding disaster was critical to enable them to regain their independence," said Adrienne Shields, Deputy Director for DDRS.

"This example shows the State of Indiana's dedication to meeting the needs of people with disabilities. It is critical that Indiana be flexible and responsive, especially during times of natural disasters," said Peter Bisbecos, Director of DDRS for the State of Indiana.

Within 24 hours of Nightingale's contact with Robinson and her family, Robinson was moving into the wheelchair-accessible apartment in Franklin.

In order to maintain Robinson's independent lifestyle, having access to transportation services was a critical factor when looking for a location. "From this apartment, I can use Johnson County Access to get to work," said Robinson, who has worked for TJ Maxx in Greenwood for seven years. Johnson County Access also donated funding for Robinson to use toward transportation costs while at her temporary home.

"It was tough on her for a few days because my wife and I couldn't get her to the places she goes--she stays busy working and bowling and stuff, and she couldn't do that when this happened," explained Steve. "But she can now. IPMG found a place for Cristy that works great for her until we can all go home."

For Robinson and her mother, Cindy Rottinghouse, the temporary living arrangements have been a major adjustment. "As her parents are staying with relatives until the remodel is complete, this is the first time Cristy has resided somewhere other than her parents' home," explained Nightingale. "They are both adjusting pretty well, considering the pace at which all of this occurred and all of the changes Cristy and her family have had to make."

Robinson chuckled at Nightingale's comments, adding, "Boy, there have been a lot of changes, that's for sure, like living by myself. I was afraid at first, because it was something new for me. But now--no offense to my parents--I kind of like it!"

After securing the new residence and ensuring transportation needs were met, other immediate needs--including medical equipment, medicine, and clothing--became Nightingale's priority. For these, Nightingale organized community resources to support and fulfill Robinson's needs.

In addition to assisting with locating the apartment for Robinson, Putnam County Comprehensive Services' Greenwood office also provided a donation for clothing and personal items. The Medicine Shoppe in Greensburg, who is working with IPMG to obtain a new hospital bed and donated a number of personal items, hand-delivered Robinson's medicine to her at her new apartment in order to help her meet her medication schedule. Additionally, Nightingale secured other important donations from the community, including a dresser, TV, lamps, and other needed items for Robinson's temporary home.

"I'm really thankful for everything Melissa and everyone else did to get me here," said Robinson, as she shared a hug with Nightingale at the new apartment. "I just don't know what would have happened without you and everyone who's helped!"

With Robinson's needs met, the Rottinghouse's can now focus on rebuilding their home. "Having Cristy's needs taken care of has made a huge difference to us during this chaos," Steve said. "My wife can keep working and bring in income since I'm disabled, and I can help make sure the house gets worked on."

"Knowing Cristy is in a safe, accessible environment, and that she has what she needs, gives her parents a sense of relief so that they can focus on rebuilding," said Nightingale. "Our core ethic--that the needs of the Consumer are paramount--is what drives each of us at IPMG, and I love what I do. It's fulfilling to be able to assist when someone is really in need, especially during a disaster situation."

"Supervisor Melissa Nightingale exemplifies the quality case management provided by IPMG. Constantly ensuring the health and safety of more than 10,000 individuals served by IPMG is part of our core value," said Tompkins.

As with many flood victims, the Rottinghouses lost everything and did not have flood insurance, but are eligible for some FEMA assistance to help rebuild their home on Lind Drive, which will take about a month. But the real generosity has come from the community.

Many of the Rottinghouse's neighbors in Edinburgh--some affected by the flood, others untouched--are helping with the gutting and rebuilding of the Rottinghouse home, making it better than before. A local contractor, J/R Shelton, stepped up to provide assistance with not just renovation and repair of the water-damaged home, but also a remodel to better match Robinson's needs.

With the remodeling of the home, her parents are able to provide their daughter with a larger space to live. Family, friends, and local business volunteers will help install handicap-accessible and living upgrades, such as widened doors and larger windows that will enhance Robinson's living area at the home.

In the meantime, as the work on Lind Drive continues, everyone is looking at the bright side of things--and toward drier weather--as they work to rebuild their lives and bring their family back together under one roof.