KentuckyOne Health VNA Health at Home Awarded $516,000 for Personal Care Attendant Program

VNA Health at Home, part of KentuckyOne Health, received a grant for $516,095 to help fund its Personal Care Attendant Program (PCAP). The program serves Kentucky adults with severe physical challenges who wish to live independently, but need financial assistance and the help of a personal care attendant. The grant was awarded by the Lincoln Trail Area Development District and the Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“We are so thankful for this grant,” said Jennifer Nolan, president of Flaget Memorial Hospital, Bardstown. “It will enable many participants in Bardstown and other areas to remain in their homes, instead of facing institutionalization.”

Austin Peterson of Bardstown says the program has helped improve his life. In 2007, Peterson was injured in a four-wheeler accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury that caused paralysis in his torso, legs, and parts of his arms. Today, he has made improvements, but his legs and torso area are still paralyzed. Through the help of PCAP, he has been able to move out of his parent’s home and live on his own, with a personal care attendant visiting daily to assist him. He’s now working full-time, is engaged to be married, and is in the process of building a house.

“The quality of life is much better with someone lending a helping hand,” said Peterson. “I’m so thankful for this program, which has helped me continue to live my life.”