Over the past two months, my family has faced a series of challenges that have deeply affected my elderly parents. My 84-year-old father suffered a fall that resulted in a broken arm and a week-long hospital stay. Shortly after, my mother experienced a gall bladder attack, followed by two heart attacks, two strokes, and shingles, which led to a month in the hospital. During this time, my brothers and I have been caring for my father, while my mother was discharged to a nursing home for rehabilitation. Amidst all of this, they welcomed a new great grandbaby, now six weeks old, but my parents have been separated for the longest time in their 65 years of marriage.

Our mother’s health has declined, and she will be coming home in a couple of weeks. To make her return possible and comfortable, we need to install an access ramp to their house, which is the largest expense. We also need a tray table for her bed and various medical supplies to support her care. Medicare is providing her bed and wheelchair, but the additional supplies and ramp are beyond their fixed income and limited resources.

This has been an emotional time for our family, especially for my parents who have missed each other terribly. They simply want to be together again, surrounded by their family and enjoying their grandchildren, including their new great grandson. We would be so grateful for any help in bringing them together again and making their home safe and welcoming for my mother’s return.