Caregiver Spotlight: Ricky

Self-direction has the ability to completely change your life – it’s been an incredible blessing. I’m so thankful for PPL.”

Welcome to our Caregiver Spotlight Series, where we feature real stories of caregivers, who are supporting self-directed care.

“Finding PPL was an incredible turning point for our family as we’re no longer concerned about our son’s safety,” says Ricky, who works with his wife providing self-directed care for Jason, their 39 year old son with special needs. Prior to learning about self-direction, Jason experienced negligence in attention that put his health at risk. As a response, the family urgently sought other care options; and learned about self-direction with a NJ program that would financially compensate them for serving as a caregiver for their son.

Ricky’s wife began working with PPL as a self-directed caregiver in 2018. Ricky was able to retire early in 2020 and join her in dedicating their time to caring for Jason as part of the program. Self-direction has not only provided Ricky’s family with the financial resources and flexibility to care for their son, but also provided more peace of mind and reduced emotional stress because they can now ensure Jason is cared for properly.

Self-direction also better meets Jason’s personal care needs as he no longer has to suffer through anxiety-filled car rides to receive care and can even choose when he wants to eat each day, which was often a source of emotional stress.

Ricky only wishes his family had discovered self-direction sooner. He shares, “self-direction has the ability to completely change your life – it’s been an incredible blessing. I’m so thankful for PPL. Now I just submit my timecard each week and then, I can devote (the rest of) my time to Jason, instead of worrying about making money elsewhere.”