Hi. My name is Leslie and I am creating this account in support of my grandparents. My grandmother has had declining health over the past year, including multiple falls (one of which resulted in a fractured femur). We were attributing this decline in health to the natural progression of aging. However, in March, 911 had to be called and, within one hour of being transported to the hospital, she was in the ICU and intubated due to respiratory failure. After several weeks of combined hospital/rehab stay, she was finally improved enough to be allowed to return home. This relief was short-lived, unfortunately. She was diagnosed 4 weeks ago with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Obviously, this was devastating to our family. We knew that we were now measuring her lifespan in months and not years-primarily because she has the bulbar type onset, which leads to a more rapid progression of symptoms. However, 9 days ago, she was readmitted to the ICU with extensive blood clots in bilateral lungs and lower extremities. After two procedures to remove the clots, her health didn’t seem to rebound. It was during this last hospital stay that my grandmother made the decision to refuse further treatments and to receive in-home hospice care. She has been home for several days and our family is just now understanding how difficult this arrangement will be. Aside from approximately 3 visits from a nurse and home health aides per week, all care will now have to be given by family members. It has been a crash course in learning how to operate the patient lift, bipap machine settings, personal hygiene care, positioning, etc, while still trying to provide a low-stress and loving home environment.
Our initial goal is to raise money to hire aides that can come provide help several days a week. Currently, my elderly grandfather is her primary caregiver. The remaining care is trying to be divided by the few family members present, but is made difficult due to their job schedules.
Any remaining funds upon her death will be applied towards their house mortgage so that my grandfather will not be forced to leave the home he has shared with his wife of 46 years.
All donations, large or small, will be a blessing. If you are not in a position to donate, please share our account with others.
Thank you.
