Caring for Alan

January of this year we received a devastating diagnosis: Alan has dementia and Parkinson's disease. 

I hesitated making this public until a few friends asked how they could help and if there was a way to donate money.

They suggested I start a fundraiser to help with medical bills and with the cost of his care. Caring for Alan is going to be a daunting task.

Due to the seriousness of his condition, the hospital did everything it could to help us. They don't usually do this but they hired a company that specializes in expediting Medicaid applications.

Things looked bleak until they told us that Alan qualifies. But that good news only lasted a few days.

Upon closer examination they learned that Medicaid will hold up his application until our revocable trust is reviewed by the state--and that could take up to a year! (Be sure to keep this in mind if you have a trust of any kind!).

This means that while we wait for the review to conclude I must pay out of pocket for his care.

In home caregivers charge $20 and up. Care homes cost between $4,000 and $10,000. Caring for him at home is definitely more expensive.

Nighttime is when Alan is most in danger of falling because of his wandering, confusion, and agitation which medication so far has not been able to ease. I felt so helpless watching him pace the floor night after night unable to stop him. knowing a fall could mean for an ambulance.

So while I was initially reluctant to start a fundraiser quite frankly, I don't know what else to do at this point. I can't afford to pay for the full cost of a care home and this means Alan will fall again and end up back in the hospital.

The doctor warned me that any fall at Alan's age (82) can be fatal but the hip fracture makes this even more serious.

Dementia is a disease that no one can handle on their own. It's a monster of a disease that takes everything you can throw at it and still comes roaring back for more. I pray that you and your loved ones never have to deal with dementia.

If you can help us in any way we'd be so, so grateful!

And if contributing to Alan's care is not possible for you, I totally understand. No worries--all I ask is that you keep Alan in your prayers! Thank you!

Alan spent the last 35 years of his life helping and guiding others but he was never one to ask for help in return. He was too proud and independent for that. We both are.

But today I am putting his pride and mine aside and asking for your help.

Alan always wondered whether he had made any difference in people's lives. He didn't believe me when I would say that of course he had. He had a drawer full of thank you cards to prove it yet he still doubted.

God bless you for your support! Thank you for helping me keep Alan safe during this last part of his journey home.

Many Blessings,

Pam and Alan