Continue at home care for Pam Exley

Hi, this is Amanda, and I am looking to help out my mom Pam as she has hit yet another bump in the road after a rough couple of years medically and emotionally. For those who don't know her, she has been living with MS for about 20 years. Her health has deteriorated over time, and she has no use of her legs. She needs assistance with many things most of us take for granted like getting in and out of bed, bathing, toileting, etc.

Just to give you a little background, my dad, Jim retired early to care for Pam full time after the relapse that rendered her chair bound. He took the time while she was in the hospital to make sure everything in their home was handicap accessible and fit to her needs. It was basically the ideal scenario considering the circumstances, but in spring of 2020 Jim became sick, and was diagnosed with cancer which took his life in a matter of months. We had very little time to plan as a family, but my dad was a step ahead knowing this day would come. My mom had worked in senior care for many years and did not want to be placed in a nursing home. She already relies on others for basic needs and staying at home would at least give her privacy and a sense of independence. It was my dads final wish to keep my mom in her home comfortable and with her cats. Fortunately her next door neighbor Brenda, is an experienced PCA and was more than willing to take his place after his death as caregiver. We are very lucky to have Brenda in our lives. Without her my parents wishes would not have been met.

Brenda has been putting in a lot of extra time caring for my mom since several other health scares and hospital visits have come up this year. The problem we are facing now is basically her care plan budget has run out for the fiscal year. This means Brenda will not get paid until August. We certainly do not expect her to work for my mom every day for a month and a half for free. We are doing everything we can to budget and come up with ways to help out my mom and Brenda financially. My family and I are tapped on ideas at this point, and I never thought I would have to ask for help in this way. Any little bit we could get would be much appreciated. Thank you for reading and please pass along