Client Services Program

Who Can Be A Client?

A client is a person who receives services from the Epilepsy Services Program. Any resident of Florida who is diagnosed with epilepsy, or is suspected of having epilepsy, and who needs the program's services can apply to be a client.

The Epilepsy Services Program works within the client's ability to pay. If the client's gross family income is less than 100 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines, services are provided free of charge. If the client's gross family income is more than 100 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines, medical services are provided on a sliding fee scale.

While most services are available through the Epilepsy Services Program at little or no cost, funds are limited. Therefore, some services may be limited or clients may be placed on a waiting list.

Individual Programs

Epilepsy affects everyone a little differently. That is why each client of the Epilepsy Services Program is assigned a case manager. The case manager is usually a social worker or public health nurse who works with the client to help him set and meet his goals. The case manager works along with the client's doctor to help the client improve his quality of life and help the family live day-to-day with epilepsy. Case management includes:

• Arranging for medical evaluation and treatment services.
• Determining the medical, psychosocial, educational, and other needs of each client.
• Teaching about the treatment of epilepsy and the importance of carefully following the treatment plan which includes taking medication regularly.
• Providing information about social, medical and support services available in the community, and making referrals.
• Setting goals (for instance, obtaining better control of seizures) and helping clients meet those goals using federal, state and community resources.
• The case manager may also assist clients during a crisis, or work directly with a client's family or guardian.