A new Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) program is now serving children, their families, and seniors in need in McCreary County, Kentucky for the first time. CAP’s In-Home Respite Program serves Rockcastle, Johnson, and Martin Counties. In January of this year, they began serving McCreary County. There are currently nine participants enrolled in the new program.
In-Home Respite is a very important program for the primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities. It provides the caregiver the opportunity to take a short break while a CAP worker cares for their family member. The program’s goal is to supply the caregiver with rest while providing the participant with quality care, meaningful socialization, and Christian fellowship.
One participant that is now benefitting from In-Home Respite services in McCreary County is Martha. This year Martha celebrated her 90th birthday with her two daughters. Unfortunately, Martha is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Because of her condition, Martha’s two daughters, Caroline and Patricia, moved in to take care of her.
Martha requires around-the-clock care because of her memory problems. She recently fell and injured her hip. She is unable to remember her injury, so she will try to stand up and fall. Her daughters provide constant, loving care to keep Martha safe and prevent any further injuries.
The constant care that is required to take care of Martha leaves little time for anything else. Her daughters find it hard to run errands or even do household chores. That is where our In-Home Respite program steps in to lend a hand.
Wanda, a CAP caseworker, goes to the family’s home twice a month to help care for Martha. This allows her daughters the chance to run errands and attend to personal needs, while knowing that their mother is being well cared for.
The expansion of CAP’s In-Home Respite Program has already begun to positively affect the lives of people in need in McCreary County. The program is able to help lift up and improve the lives of participants as well as their families.
