Her life was forever changed in an instant.
At 21 years old, Michelle Goldsborough was in a devastating car accident that left her paralyzed from the collarbone down.
For a time, Michelle lived in a long-term care facility while adapting to a future she never imagined. But all she could think about was getting back home to her two young daughters.
Her greatest fear was that they would grow up without her or be placed into a system that would change all their lives forever.
That fear became her greatest motivation.
Michelle was determined to regain her independence, raise her daughters and be there every day, not just on visiting days. With perseverance, help from her family, and support through the MI Choice Waiver Program and Senior Resources, that is exactly what she did.
“Senior Resources allowed me to raise my children and keep them home with me, where they belong. Nothing was more important,” Michelle said.
Returning home did not mean Michelle no longer needed assistance. It meant that assistance could come to her. Her mother moved in to help care for Michelle and the girls, while caregivers and community services helped the family remain together.
Later, Michelle was able to rent a house that accommodated her needs. Having a home of her own allowed Michelle to be present for the moments she once feared she would miss. She could watch her daughters come home from school, celebrate their milestones and share in the routines of daily family life.
Although grateful for her family’s help, Michelle never wanted her daughters to be responsible for her care.
“I did not want my children to take care of me,” she said. “Because of the support I received, they were able to have a childhood.”
The Support to Remain at Home
Through the years, Michelle has built strong relationships with the people who help make her independence possible.
Charity has been her caregiver for 13 years and has become like family. Sarah, her Senior Resources supports coordinator, has worked with Michelle since 2011, helping coordinate her care as her health and circumstances change.
“I feel supported,” Michelle said. “I know she’s looking out for me, and I can call her.”
Michelle also receives Primary Care at Home through Senior Resources, along with nursing and other specialized care.
“The MI Choice Waiver is an awesome program,” she said. “It allows people like me to live independently and remain at home instead of in an institutional setting.”
Technology provides another measure of independence. Michelle uses Alexa to adjust the thermostat and call for help, while a sip-and-puff mouse allows her to operate her computer using her lips.
She enjoys playing online strategy games with people from around the world, giving her a way to connect with others and work as part of a team.
“It helps keep your brain sharp by learning strategies and it also allows for a bit of escapism,” she said with a smile.
The Moments That Matter
Despite ongoing health challenges and lengthy hospital stays, Michelle remains certain that home is where she wants to be.
“It’s still a better quality of life for me to be at home,” she said.
More recently, one of Michelle’s daughters moved back to West Michigan. Michelle now lives with her daughter and shares in the everyday lives of her four grandchildren.
She gets to hear about their days, share their laughter and watch them grow. They are ordinary moments that can easily be taken for granted, but Michelle knows how precious they are.
Years ago, she fought to get home so she could raise her daughters and watch them grow up. Today, she is present for another generation of her family.
“For 25 years, the MI Choice Waiver Program has allowed me to have a real life,” Michelle said. “Without Senior Resources and this program, I don’t know where I would be.”
With perseverance, the love of her family and the right support, Michelle built the life she fought for, one filled with family connections and the everyday moments that matter most.
