Fern Creek Highview United Ministres

Coming Together to Make a Difference!

From Rev. Ron Loughry, Executive Directory of FCHUM

FCHUM Ministries News - Volume 10 Issue 3 -Summer 2008

The Summer 2008 Edition updates you on the following activites with FCHUM:

Fern Creek Highview United Ministries marks two decades of service in uniting churches and community to care for our neighbors! 2008 - what a year of accomplishments! By the end of April, FCHUM had moved all programs into the new facility at 9300 Beulah Church Road. On May 28th we "officially" cut the ribbon welcoming all the community to visit our new location. On June 14th we gathered at Fern Creek United Methodist where it all began 20 years ago to celebrate our 20th anniversary! In 1988, ten churches began the work, now 20 years later 20 churches carry forth this vital work. In May of this year I was honored to observe my 12th anniversary with FCHUM squeezed in between our move and the GALA. The GALA was a grand success being a "sold out" event and raising ... read more (this link opens an Adobe Acrobat PDF) .....

adult day center

FCHUM provides services to frail older adults and their families at its Adult Day Center in Louisville, KY. The Adult Day Center which started out as a social model Adult Day Center, is now a state licensed health model Adult Day Center, with a full-time nurse. The Adult Day Center balances cognitive activities with physical activities in a structured fun-filled day. An optional breakfast is offered, along with a hot lunch and an afternoon snack. Activities include exercises, games, music and other entertainment, intergenerational activities, pet visits, and much more. Individuals coming to the Adult Day Center need supervision because of health or cognitive challenges. Some participants have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other type of dementia; others are recovering from strokes, have problems with balance, or have other health related issues such as diabetes, congestive heart failure or depression. The Louisville Adult Day Center was made possible in part by the generosity of St. Bernard Catholic Church who offered space - a house that had once been a convent.

Here is a wonderful example of the contribution the Louisville Adult Day Center offers to families described in an article from the Today's Wellness Column of the March, 2005 issue of Today's Woman, page 30:

"Tammy Herbert is the librarian at St. Gabriel school, and her 82-year-old mother has been living with her for about 15 months. Tammy's mother, Florence Ballard had lived alone until she suffered a fall and ended up in the hospital. Florence's diagnosis came as Parkinson's and multi-system atrophy. Because she could not walk, Florence went into a nursing home for seven months for therapy to get her moving again.

Once mobile, Tammy and her husband decided to bring Florence to live with them. Because Tammy and her husband both work, Tammy looked into having someone come and care for her mom while she was gone. She realized she had another option when the hospital recommended an adult day care.

Tammy looked at several places, but liked the smaller numbers at the adult day center at Fern Creek [Highview United] Ministries. Florence is one of 17 "frail older adults" who are cared for by a nurse, three aids and a director."

The Louisville Adult Day Center provides a safe environment for care-givers to bring their loved one while they work, or take out time for much needed respite from 24 hour a day care-giving. The Adult Day Center staff become a support team for the care-giver working with doctors and family to provide the best care for the older adult. The Adult Day Center is a fun place, celebrating the strengths of the older adult, helping him or her to function at his or her highest level. The Adult Day Center allows the older adult to remain in his or her home, or that of a loved one for as long as possible, preventing premature nursing home placement. The Adult Day Center works with other community agencies such as the Alzheimer's Association, TRIAD, and KIPDA - the Area Agency On Aging to insure the best service for the frail elderly of our community and their families.

Adult Day Center Wish List

Paper towels - much needed!!
Waterless antibacterial hand sanitizer
Napkins
Handiwipes/babywipes (in plastic containers)
Copy paper - all colors (especially pastel and bright)
Plain Graham Crackers
Creamy peanut butter

Many thanks to each and everyone of you for your continued support and generosity!!