Bluegrass Care Navigator's Medical Respite Program Gives Patient Hope
Since 2017, Bluegrass Care Navigators’ (BCN) Medical Respite Program, in partnership with the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), has offered short-term, medical hotel stays to hundreds of Lexingtonians experiencing homelessness. When Mistey Cobb entered this program in November of 2023, she not only received the medical care she needed, but also had access to resources that provided permanent housing and the hope of a more stable, brighter future.
“We wouldn’t have made it through last winter without BCN,” Mistey said. “BCN let me know that there’s someone who cared about me besides just us. When you’re going through that many surgeries, and someone is coming to check on you and urging you to take care of yourself, it makes you want to care for yourself more.”
When Mistey entered BCN’s care, she and her life partner had just been evicted. She also had a serious infection and needed several surgeries. Because our medical respite program offered a safe place to recover, she was able to undergo the medical procedures and receive the post-operative care she needed. BCN’s team of nurses and social workers addressed her health needs and connected her to the appropriate resources.
As a result of the care and support she received, Mistey was able to secure permanent housing, along with necessary medical equipment and disability insurance that allowed her to remain in her home and community.
BCN’s medical and winter respite programs provide a range of essential, patient-centered services within Fayette County, offering short-term lodging in a hotel and transitional support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services include discharge planning, arranging post-acute care, transportation assistance, food provision, medication reconciliation, and care coordination to facilitate discharge to a safe setting.
*This program was made possible thanks to support from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government through federal award numbers SLFRP0292/SLFRP3418 granted to LFUCG by the U.S. Department of Treasury.







