Taking care of family is an amazing gift to give a loved one. Hattie was in the very late stages of Alzheimer’s. Her daughter Edie left her role as a certified nursing assistant to be her mom’s 24/7 full-time caregiver.
While being Hattie’s sole caregiver was daunting at times, Edie wasn’t alone. Through the Caregiver Support program, their JFS Care Manager wrapped multiple services around Hattie and Edie to help support them financially and maintain quality of living while Hattie aged-in-place in her home.
On a needs assessment home visit, their Care Manager enrolled them in the JFS Help@Home program and JFS paid for three months of service to address minor repairs that had kept being differed due to cost. For example, having a working ceiling fan and garbage disposal again improved Hattie and Edie’s quality of life immeasurably.
Their JFS Care Manager coordinated the referral to partner agency MARC for respite services so Edie could go to church on Sundays and take care of her own healthcare and personal needs. JFS paid for visits twice a month while they were on the waitlist.
They were also signed up for the JFS KesherKC food pantry which also supplied incontinence products (adult diapers, gloves, cream, and wipes) for Hattie—items that carry a heavy financial burden.
Edie enjoyed coming in to shop the pantry as it gave her socialization and helped stretch their limited budget. Likewise, her Care Managers enjoy time spent with Edie—her warmth and easy-going, open personality a well-remembered presence.
JFS is honored to have supported Edie in the great care that she provided for her mother Hattie. Edie has been active in getting the word out about the work JFS does and has referred other folks for service.
Hattie passed 40 days before her 100th birthday. Edie reminisced about how she would do her mother’s hair, paint her nails, and sing to her. Talking about her mom and the kindness and understanding their JFS Care Manager provided, Edie got a little choked up. But “that’s ok – they’re happy tears.”
If you or someone you know needs assistance, call JFS Navigator at 913-730-1433 or email navigator@jfskc.org.
