FCC Provides Comfort to Residents of Episcopal Church Home

Through a Wholeness Grant from the First Christian Church of Louisville, Episcopal Church Home (ECH) residents have received some exceptional gifts. ECH was granted funds to purchase small weighted blankets, soft fabric pillows, and a variety of life-like pets, some of which move and breathe like live animals. These items can help soothe and comfort the residents of the Memory Care Center while bringing smiles to their faces.

For adults with pronounced cognitive impairment resulting from advanced dementia, having comforting objects to hold produces a calming effect that goes a long way to ease their anxiety. Cheryl Cubbage, FCC member and Social Worker at ECH in the Marmion and Memory Care neighborhoods, saw the importance of these gifts when she gave a restless resident a soft blanket to hold. Within minutes the resident was relaxed and at peace.

Non-pharmacological therapies are preferred in treating the feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and helplessness that often accompany advanced stages of dementia, but it's often challenging to match options with individual needs. So, when Cheryl saw the dramatic effect holding the blanket had on the resident's demeanor, she wanted to find a way to secure a variety of objects that could be used to provide therapeutic support for other residents.

First Christian Church was thrilled to partner with ECH for the third time this year. In past years, FCC has given ECH funds to create a sensory garden for residents and to purchase an ice cream machine.

The wholeness grant used to fund this ministry was made possible through your faithful financial support of our church and its ministries and help fund a variety of efforts to make our world a better place.

You can find more examples of those efforts or apply for a grant to make the world a better place by clicking here.