Success Stories

Mrs. Queen Evans, 85, is a strong and determined woman living in Wilmington, NC, with her husband, just minutes away from her son Tony and his family. Her daughter, who lives in Greensboro, NC, is also actively involved in her well-being. Mrs. Evans is surrounded by loved ones who are dedicated to her care. In the past year, Money Follows the Person (MFP) became another support to Mrs. Evans and her family.

In September 2023, Mrs. Evans found herself in Liberty Commons, a skilled nursing facility in Wilmington, following a series of hospitalizations. During one of these times in the hospital, her son Tony learned about the MFP program from one of Mrs. Evans’ physicians. The program offered a pathway to break the cycle of hospitalizations and provide the support she needed at home.

With the assistance of MFP, Mrs. Evans was discharged from Liberty Commons in February 2024 and immediately began receiving services from Elderhaus PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a local program designed to meet the needs of seniors like her.

The transition has been seamless, thanks to the consistency and coordination of care provided by PACE. Mrs. Evans enjoys attending the program, where she participates in activities that keep her engaged and healthy.

A dedicated aide visits Mrs. Evans in the mornings and afternoons to assist with daily tasks like bathing and preparing for her day. This structured routine has been critical in improving her health. PACE ensures Mrs. Evans gets to her medical appointments, manages her supplies, and provides the consistent support that Mrs. Evans—and her family—needs.

Tony, her son, expressed how MFP and the case management services have significantly reduced the family’s stress. “If it weren’t for MFP, it would have just been me. It’s been a load off my back having them take the lead on this,” he said. The program has not only eased the physical and emotional burden on Tony, but also provided peace of mind knowing that his mom is receiving high-quality care.

While the transition home has been mostly positive, there have been challenges. Mrs. Evans sometimes feels lonely and misses her family in Florida. She and her husband moved to North Carolina from Miami before the pandemic, and she still longs for the connection to her sisters, who live in Florida. However, Tony and his family have made plans for Mrs. Evans to visit her sisters later this month, including attending her eldest sister’s 93rd birthday. Her daughter in Greensboro remains closely involved, helping to coordinate visits and providing support from a distance.

For now, Mrs. Evans continues to thrive at home with the support of MFP and Elderhaus PACE. Tony and his family are working to enroll her husband in PACE as well, believing he too would benefit from the program’s comprehensive care.

MFP has been a lifeline for Mrs. Evans and her family, providing the resources, coordination, and emotional support needed to ensure her successful transition home. Even after a year, the MFP team continues to check in on the family, particularly during storms, proving that their care doesn’t stop at discharge—it’s a lasting partnership.

As Mrs. Evans prepares for her upcoming visit to Florida, her story is a reminder of the importance of personalized, community-based care and the impact it can have on the lives of individuals and their families.