Jeffrey Thrives in the Thornton Home

Updated March 1, 2019

Jeffrey Garland is a kind, loving man in his forties with a mild intellectual disability.  With a great sense of humor, Jeffrey loves to laugh and joke around.  For many years, Jeffrey was well cared for at home by his parents.  When his mother passed away several years ago,  his dad was unable to take care of himself and Jeffrey,  so the pair moved into a nursing home together.  While he loved living with his dad, Jeffrey began to struggle at the nursing home.  He had trouble controlling his anger and would have outbursts, refusing to take his medication.  It became clear that the nursing home was not working for Jeffrey, so his family sought out a better solution with Inspiritus’ Disability Services program. 

Jeffery with Kari, another program participant in the Thorntons' home.

Jeffrey was matched with Kathy and Brad Thornton, host home providers who were new to the program.  When Jeffrey moved in with the Thorntons, they noticed that his medication left him in a dreamlike state and began to understand his resistance to taking his medication at the nursing home. In a home environment with more personal one-on-one care, the Thorntons were able to work with his physicians to significantly reduce his dosage.  The change in Jeffrey was remarkable.

“Jeffrey tells everyone he’s very happy with his life now,” says Tracy Rhudy, Supervisor/Recruiter, Inspiritus.

 In Inspiritus’ host home program, Jeffrey is thriving in many ways.  He recently started a job and was thrilled to receive his very first pay check.  He loves to help out around the house – mowing the yard, helping in the garden and taking care of Lou, the family dog that Jeffrey has become very attached to.

Jeffery with his dad Freddie

Jeffrey remains very close with his dad, and the Thorntons take him to visit his dad once a month, and Jeffrey and his dad talk on the phone almost every day.  Now that Jeffrey is in a home setting, he’s able to partake in activities in his community.  He loves going to church and is an active participant with his church family.  In his free time, he likes listening to gospel and country music.  The Thorntons recently took Jeffrey on his first airplane trip when the family visited California.

“Now Jeffrey is much more open to trying different things, and he’s very proud of his accomplishments,” says Kathy.  “He’s a part of our family. We love him like one of our own.   We love that we are able to see how he has grown over the last few years into a more independent person.  We are fortunate to be able to help him meet his goals and overcome barriers he may face."