BLOG : Consumer Spotlight: Elizabeth Ramos

How I Started
My name is Elizabeth Ramos I've been active with Concepts since 1992. Before that, I decided to do my homework when I found out my aide, while I was in a traditional agency, could not help me with my vent. I was so taken aback by that. Not sure what to do, I spoke to friends. I talked about my situation with a Consumer who was already with Concepts named David Dopico. He gently explained to me there was no need to cry anymore. He was educated on the whole process of being a CDPAP Consumer.  So, with his encouragement and help, I called Concepts. I did all the paperwork and then I was on my way to my independence…. to being in control of my life, and living with freedom.

The Long Wonderful Journey
Concepts changed my life in countless ways. I get to hire, train and direct a Personal Assistant (PA) to work to my needs. I get to decide what to do at my own pace, and I make sure my needs are met. My condition is very fragile in some ways. When I'm on my back, I have no motion in my body. When I need to turn over, my PA does it with no complaints. Also, I'm an oxygen user, so I need to change tanks on a daily basis. With all of these high level needs, I believe I would be in a nursing home if I didn’t have Concepts.

But I’m not in a nursing home. I live my life on the outside, fully. As a result, I’m able to enjoy life, and be a part of my community. I became a parent of beautiful baby girl in 1986. I call her my Miracle Baby. She is going to 29 soon. My life with her has been tremendous. I did what most parents do: brought her to school, picked her up, had cookies out when she came home…. We had a daily routine like it should be. It took freedom to do that. Concepts was the path to that freedom for me. Concepts has taught me “yes, you can.”

As a Concepts Consumer, I can tell you from a life of experience that I would not have it any other way.

Written by Elizabeth Ramos