Dr. Mike Lubar of Mequon, a clinical psychologist with Jewish Family Services, is pleased with the Self-Directed Supports Option available to him through Community Care’s Family Care Program.

Dr. Lubar, who has muscular dystrophy, needs round-the-clock care. He already had an excellent care team, with some nurses who have cared for him for nine years. When Community Care’s Family Care Program replaced the Ozaukee County-run program, Dr. Lubar was happy to learn he could keep his same team and make a smooth transition to the new program. He found that with the SDS Option, he has even more ability to control the makeup of his care team.

The SDS Option allows Dr. Lubar the ability to make his own decisions about the support he needs to live, allowing him to take responsibility of his own care. He appreciates the flexibility in deciding who will care for him. He found several excellent caregivers he wanted to include in his team who were not RNs or LPNs that would not have been qualified without the SDS option. “It’s a win-win situation for all of us,” he says. “It makes it possible for me to find someone to cover all my hours.”

Having muscular dystrophy has meant that Dr. Lubar’s muscles have weakened throughout his life. He began using a wheelchair as a fourth grader and has been ventilator-dependent for 14 years. “Physically, I can’t do anything from the neck down,” he explains.

Yet Dr. Lubar finished his doctorate degree after he was already ventilator-dependent. He maintains an active clinical practice, meeting with clients and doing the necessary recordkeeping associated with his practice. “My practice is a big part of my life. I like being productive and doing meaningful work.”