Managing diabetes, with an assist from Empire Blue Cross Blue Shields

JULIAN DAVID :: Medicare Advantage member, Harlem, New York

JANET KENT :: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield nurse care manager, Brooklyn, New York

In July 2007, at the age of 83, Medicare Advantage member Julian David was diagnosed with diabetes. At the time, the Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield member was an inpatient at a skilled nursing facility in New York, where he was recovering from a fall.

When Julian came home, he and his daughter Wendy worked with Janet Kent, a nurse with Empire’s Care Management Program, to manage his diabetes. The Care Management Program is a voluntary service for members in which a trained nurse serves as a personal health coach, providing education, motivation and encouragement.

“Janet has helped so much,” said Wendy. “Janet called us and helped us arrange for home health aides and the visiting nurse service, making sure my dad would have the best care possible.”

With Wendy and Janet’s help, Julian’s diabetes was brought under control. Julian is now able to monitor his own blood glucose levels. When Wendy is at work, a home health aide visits to assist him around the house. And Janet and Wendy worked with a social worker to find an adult day health care center where Julian can socialize with other seniors and also receive further health services.

“In the beginning, Janet called every other day to make sure everything was working the way it should be,” Wendy said. “She wants to make sure my dad stays healthy and out of the hospital, and so far, so good. The grace of God and the help of Janet Kent made all and everything possible.”

 

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