Memory Care for Papa Mike

Hi, we are Mike’s daughters Stephanie and Michelle and we are raising funds to help place our father, Papa Mike, in a memory care home due to his progressing dementia.

If you don’t already know our dad Mike, let me tell you a little bit about him! He is man of few words, he loved riding motorcycles, he loves coffee and going out to breakfast, he loves his family… especially his grandson. Mike was a plumber by trade and worked tirelessly for over 40 years at it. He would often, in his senior years, do work for other elderly folks and not charge them because “they can’t afford it and I know they need it done” he is kind, giving and compassionate to everyone he meets.

He didn’t plan well for his future but I think he never thought he would get old (like most of us!)

Our Dad was diagnosed with early stage dementia in 2021 and for the past 3 years was doing ok, not great but still pretty independent and had many lucid days. Recently his dementia has made a rapid progression and for his safety and wellbeing we need to move him into a memory care facility sooner than later. His lucid days are becoming shorter and his moments of total confusion, inability of minor daily tasks, and wandering from the home at all hours has increased. Dad needs 24hr care, assistance with daily hygiene, meals cooked, staff to assist with medication… etc. This is the moment we dreaded but knew eventually would arrive… just not this soon!

Unfortunately most assisted living homes with memory care are upwards of $7000-$11000 per month depending on the level of care. We will be working towards selling my fathers house and we are trying to seek out grants, Medi-cal long term care and any other possible assistance that may be available (these government programs all can take months to receive approval, IF we can even get approval) and please keep in mind that there are often waiting lists for rooms that will accept Medi-cal. We have decided to start a go-fund-me in hopes of raising enough funding to pay for a few months if not longer while we navigate this financial hardship. It’s unfortunate that our system isn’t better equipped to assist the elderly in these circumstances and I know there are many other families that are struggling with this very same journey.

With Gratitude,

Stephanie and Michelle