SUMMER 2024
Medical Respite Program Gives Patient Hope Since 2017, Bluegrass Care Navigators’ (BCN) Medical
post-operative care she needed. BCN’s team of nurses and
Respite Program, in partnership with the Lexington Fayette
social workers addressed her health needs and connected her
Urban County Government (LFUCG), has offered short-term,
to the appropriate resources.
medical hotel stays to hundreds of Lexingtonians experiencing homelessness. When Mistey Cobb entered this program in November of 2023, she not only received the medical care she needed, but also had access to resources that provided permanent housing and the hope of a more stable,
As a result of the care and support she received, Mistey was able to secure permanent housing, along with necessary medical equipment and disability insurance that allowed her to remain in her home and community.
brighter future.
BCN’s medical and winter respite programs provide a range
“We wouldn’t have made it through last winter without
of essential, patient-centered services within Fayette County,
someone who cared about me besides just us. When
for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services include
BCN,” Mistey said. “BCN let me know that there’s
offering short-term lodging in a hotel and transitional support
you’re going through that many surgeries, and someone
discharge planning, arranging post-acute care, transportation
is coming to check on you and urging you to take care of
yourself, it makes you want to care for yourself more.”
assistance, food provision, medication reconciliation, and care coordination to facilitate discharge to a safe setting.
When Mistey entered BCN’s care, she and her life partner
This program was made possible thanks to
had just been evicted. She also had a serious infection
support from the Lexington-Fayette Urban
and needed several surgeries. Because our medical
County Government through federal award
respite program offered a safe place to recover, she was
numbers SLFRP0292/SLFRP3418 granted to
able to undergo the medical procedures and receive the
LFUCG by the U.S. Department of Treasury.