Linda Merkle

I am Linda Merkle and I was in a nursing home up until November 2003 when I got out.  I was in a nursing home for five and a half years after I had my stroke.  Now I am in my own apartment with assistance

In September, I was still in the nursing home and I did not get the letter from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene that they claim was sent to us telling us about the Money Follows the Individual Act.  I have not gotten any of these letters about choices.

My family didn’t want me to get out.  Now my twin sister is excited about my being on my own and my younger sister is so-so about me being on my own.  My life is great and I can come and go as I please, eat what I want when I want.  I have choices now. I have a lot of freedom now that I did not have in the nursing home.