My name is Jess Silfa and I am a caregiver and writer from NYC currently living in FL. I take care of my grandmother, Tomasa, full time and am asking for help paying for her care. My abuela (that's "grandmother" in Spanish) fell and broke her hip about two weeks ago. She's in rehab now, which has been challenging. Her rehab center doesn't have anyone who speaks Spanish and they're kind but understaffed. Because of the coronavirus, the rehab center has stopped all visitations. She was already going to be discharged in the next week but we're moving that up. The family is terrified of this turning into a situation like the one in Washington where the coronavirus ripped through a nursing home and families were unable to get inside to see their loved ones before they passed. I can't let abuela go out like that. 

Unfortunately, I need help at home. Because abuela can't lift herself or walk yet, I need to hire an aide to help with bathing, grooming, and other personal care. Abuela has Medicaid and Medicare but they only cover medical issues; physical therapy, medication management, etc. Medicare covers long-term care (like in a nursing home) but only if the patient is in their final year of life, more or less. Abuela is not there yet. With proper care and attendance, she can have a few years left. (Her goal is to reach 100!) 

The financial costs of hiring an aide are high. It breaks down to: 

$24/hour x 3 hours a day x 5 days a week = $360/week

This money will be going to me, her grandchild, as I am her caregiver and will be paying for all of her expenses related to caregiving services and aides.

My goal is to get 12 weeks covered and then reassess abuela's needs from there. I know it's a lot of money. I'm hoping to keep this fundraiser open as long as possible to get everything covered over these next two months or so. 

If you can't donate, understandable. Please share this widely, if you wish. Abuela, my family, and I really really appreciate it. More than I could possibly say. 

Thank you.