To spotlight the people the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas helps, check out our weekly blog called, “An Inside Look.” This week, read about how our Social Services Coordinator, Kathy Kraemer, is meeting the needs of our patients.

Listening is Key

Recently, a married couple visited our San Antonio office. The husband has had epilepsy all his life, and his neurologist retired unexpectedly due to medical reasons. The couple lives in the same neighborhood as the Foundation, and found out about us by reading our building sign.

They sat down with Kathy Kraemer, our social services coordinator. Kathy’s job is to make sure that our patients’ needs are met. When people come to or call the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas, Kathy is usually the first person they meet.

Welcome to Our Family

“I’m the person who welcomes the newbies into our family,” Kathy said, when asked to describe her job. “I’m here to gather the patient’s history and to determine what their needs are, not just medically, but socially, mentally, and environmentally.”

Kathy helped the couple set up a new patient appointment, with a neurologist that was close by. “Sometimes I even go to the appointment with them, or call ahead, to make sure there’s a warm transfer,” said Kathy. “I want them to be comfortable.”

Kathy also encourages the people she meets with to come to support group and share their story to help other people who are living with epilepsy.

Kathy thought that the people in support group would appreciate hearing from someone who has lived with epilepsy for decades. “Not all people’s stories are so simple,” Kathy said, “Everyone who comes to us is so different.”

Unique Situations

In the same week, one of our patients, a mother, came to Kathy with a more complicated need. She was living with her parents and with her daughter, a teen who also has epilepsy. The financial strain from both of their medical conditions had the mother looking for work.

Money was stretched thin and the mother hadn’t seen a specialist in months. Her previous insurance had high copays and deductibles that she couldn’t afford. Now, with the benefit of Medicaid, she would be able to see a specialist, but at the cost of a full-time job.

“She had applied for Social Security, but since she couldn’t afford to see her specialist regularly, there weren’t enough documents for her to be approved.”

The mother was caught at a crossroads, knowing that her options were either affordable healthcare or a job. Fortunately, Kathy knew what to do. Kathy referred the mother to our good friends at the Packard Law Firm who are in the process of helping our patient gather a medical history record in hopes that will prove her eligible for Social Security.

Finding the Best Help

“I have to look at their situation from all sides,” Kathy said. “I listen to their story and assess their situation. That’s why I go out of town to our seizure clinics. I assist the physician in determining the needs of our patients. They may benefit from support group or mental health counseling or HOBSCOTCH.”

Maybe Kathy can connect you (or someone you know) to a service that will improve your quality of life. What are you waiting for? To find out how we can help you or someone you love who has epilepsy, call (210) 653-5353 or email us at Staff@EFCST.org.

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