Success Stories

Money Follows the Person supports both participants and the family members (caregivers) who love them.

In 2012 almost 30% of the U.S. population provided unpaid caregiving services to a loved one who was ill, disabled or aged.* Unpaid caregiving services were valued at $450 billion per year in 2009 – up from $375 billion in 2007.**

In 2012, 30% of US population provided unpaid caregiving services to a loved one.*

Etta, 86 and her daughter, Lulu, 70, are an example of such a family. Etta was living with Lulu when she became sick and unable to walk. After two weeks in the hospital, Etta spent nine months in Woodhaven Nursing Center in Lumberton, N.C.

Etta’s illness took its toll on both the mother and daughter. Both wanted Etta to return home, but Lulu was concerned that she and her husband could not meet all of her mother’s needs. Lulu was getting mixed messages from both friends and professionals, ranging from “this will be very, very hard for you” to “it’s possible to do this.”.

Then a social worker told Lulu about the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. After some prayerful thinking, Lulu decided it was time for her mother to come home. MFP and New Hanover CAP/DA Waiver Program made that decision a reality.

The program provides Etta with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to help with bathing and other activities of daily living and she uses a specialized van to get to medical appointments.

“She’s been no trouble, not sick, just fine,” Lulu said. “Without MFP, I’d probably be sick and she’d probably be sick. Now she’s happy and I’m happy.”

* "Caregiving in the U.S.," The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2009) - Updated: November 2012
** "Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update, The Economic Value of Family Caregiving," AARP Public Policy Institute. - Updated: November 2012

"Without MFP, I’d probably be sick and she’d probably be sick. Now she’s happy and I’m happy.” - Etta’s daughter, Lulu