Hi there! My name is Holly Kruse. I am a 36 year old woman with spastic quadriplegic Cerebral palsy. I reside in Edinboro PA. I have my bachelor degree in sociology, minor in criminal justice, associate degree in human services and my master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Upon completion of my master's degree I knew I wanted to reside in Edinboro PA.
After a few years on the OBRA Waiver a friend of mine contacted me and said that she thought I would be a good candidate for the Services My Way Waiver which was the first time I had ever heard of this particular waiver. The Services My Way waiver has really increased my independance tenfold! As a participant on Services my way I have the ability to hire and replace any of my direct care workers as I see fit. With this waiver, I have the same workers throughout the week and from week to week versus not knowing who is going to be sent to my house as on other waivers. There is a very low turnover rate of my employees due to this particular waiver.
I also have the capability to use my alloted hours that are given to me by the state in whatever manner I choose. A component that I like is that I can set my worker's wages that is a range above minimum wage. If I do not utilize all my hours in one week then I have the capability to use them in case of an emergency or the following week of the same pay period. Participants on this waiver have the capability to use any leftover money from the month to order supplies or PT equipment. I have ordered various physical therapy and occupational equipment.
Being on this waiver has allowed me to live my life without any regrets because I am comfortable with my helpers and they are comfortable with me.