Dad has Frontotemporal LB Dementia
Donation protected
Dear Friends and Family
I’ve started this Go Fund Me page on behalf of my Father Rev. James Milton Sisson. For the past few years James has been experiencing some health challenges that have necessitated his relocating to Atlanta to be cared for by his Family.
I first took note of his odd behaviors in 2016 that he downplayed as minor memory issues. After some investigation I learned from his roommate and landlord that he was exhibiting behaviors that were far more serious than his pride would allow him to disclose. I brought him out to Atlanta in November of that year a few weeks prior to Thanksgiving to see the extent of his condition for myself. What I discovered was shocking, so much so I decided to keep him with me for as long as possible to get to the truth of the matter. His long-term memory was intact, but his short-term memory seemed to be highly impaired. In every conversation he would repeat the same questions mere minutes after getting an answer. Later I would learn of his sudden mood and extreme emotional shifts, paranoia and ultimately of the periodic hallucinations he was experiencing.
We began a long series of escalating Doctors examinations and evaluations. He has seen multiple physicians, neurologists and a psycho-neurologist. At the end of 2017 he was finally diagnosed with having both Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) & Lewy Body Dementia. (LBD)
These diagnoses have come after a long year of steady of decline, of trial and error, misunderstandings and mistakes. I was suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver. A position I was happy to take up, but wholly unprepared for. I have come to take each day as it comes. Every day is different and it is impossible to know what to expect from him. Deep down beneath it all he is still that unique soul that his friends, family and strangers come to love and respect. He is funny and witty and lovable. However, he is very sick as FTD is basically a statement of his mortality and is a fatal diagnosis. He will continue to decline until he can no longer function normally and on his own.
At this point he cannot be left alone and needs constant care / supervision day & night. This condition is progressive and it is only a matter of time before he will have to go into a facility. I've been trying to keep him at home for as long as possible. He does not have long term care insurance or the funds to pay for the care that is needed. I've tried senior care facilities and at home caregivers, but his needs are growing all the time and I am finding this level of care in adequate. Live in care facilities are ridiculous expensive and as fate would have it memory care facilities are even more costly. In my area the cost ranges from $3000 to $6000 a month which is just not achievable on my own.
The family would appreciate any assistance you can provide as we try to find a workable solution for my Dad. Thank you and God Bless.
I’ve started this Go Fund Me page on behalf of my Father Rev. James Milton Sisson. For the past few years James has been experiencing some health challenges that have necessitated his relocating to Atlanta to be cared for by his Family.
I first took note of his odd behaviors in 2016 that he downplayed as minor memory issues. After some investigation I learned from his roommate and landlord that he was exhibiting behaviors that were far more serious than his pride would allow him to disclose. I brought him out to Atlanta in November of that year a few weeks prior to Thanksgiving to see the extent of his condition for myself. What I discovered was shocking, so much so I decided to keep him with me for as long as possible to get to the truth of the matter. His long-term memory was intact, but his short-term memory seemed to be highly impaired. In every conversation he would repeat the same questions mere minutes after getting an answer. Later I would learn of his sudden mood and extreme emotional shifts, paranoia and ultimately of the periodic hallucinations he was experiencing.
We began a long series of escalating Doctors examinations and evaluations. He has seen multiple physicians, neurologists and a psycho-neurologist. At the end of 2017 he was finally diagnosed with having both Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) & Lewy Body Dementia. (LBD)
These diagnoses have come after a long year of steady of decline, of trial and error, misunderstandings and mistakes. I was suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver. A position I was happy to take up, but wholly unprepared for. I have come to take each day as it comes. Every day is different and it is impossible to know what to expect from him. Deep down beneath it all he is still that unique soul that his friends, family and strangers come to love and respect. He is funny and witty and lovable. However, he is very sick as FTD is basically a statement of his mortality and is a fatal diagnosis. He will continue to decline until he can no longer function normally and on his own.
At this point he cannot be left alone and needs constant care / supervision day & night. This condition is progressive and it is only a matter of time before he will have to go into a facility. I've been trying to keep him at home for as long as possible. He does not have long term care insurance or the funds to pay for the care that is needed. I've tried senior care facilities and at home caregivers, but his needs are growing all the time and I am finding this level of care in adequate. Live in care facilities are ridiculous expensive and as fate would have it memory care facilities are even more costly. In my area the cost ranges from $3000 to $6000 a month which is just not achievable on my own.
The family would appreciate any assistance you can provide as we try to find a workable solution for my Dad. Thank you and God Bless.
Organizer
Angel Sisson
Organizer
Marietta, GA
Inspired to help? Start a fundraiser for someone you know
