Helping Hands for Herman & Karen

We still need your help!

Our most urgent need at this time is to get our plumbing issues resolved so that Dad doesn’t have to climb 15 steps to use a functioning toilet. As his dementia progresses this is becoming a real challenge for him. We desperately need your help!

PLEASE consider sharing this post on your social media sites. It helps us to broaden our appeal for help. Thank you!

Currently, our downstairs toilet (the only one my dad can access independently) cannot be used (and successfully flushed) although we have repeatedly had the plumber out to clear the line. We’ve had the toilet replaced as well as a section of the foundation dug up and pipes replaced. 

Dad's bathroom (downstairs):

It has now been 18 months since that toilet last functioned, and Dad is having to pee in a bucket :-( This toilet is the only downstairs toilet and my dad is experiencing increased difficulty with climbing stairs in order to use the upstairs toilet, and he cannot do this without assistance. 

The last estimate we had was around $10-12K as they said they were going to have to dig up additional foundation, replace additional pipes, etc.

In addition to the plumbing expenses, the flooring was not properly re-installed by the plumber who did the last extensive repairs (I used a private contractor who got COVID before finishing the job), so the flooring also needs to be replaced in my dad's room as well as his bathroom. The white tape is covering all of the areas that are buckling/not sitting flush so that he won't trip on them. (Needless to say, we will be using a different plumber on this job).

Floor in Dad's bedroom (downstairs): the white tape is covering all of the areas that are buckling/not sitting flush so that he won't trip on them.

PLEASE consider sharing this post on your social media sites. It helps us to broaden our appeal for help. Thank you!

Our Story: Hi, my name is Karen Edwards and I am the full time caregiver for my dad, Herman, who is 94 years old with dementia (Alzheimer’s + vascular dementia). I am his only caregiver and have done this without respite for 3 years (I got 1 day off in

August for the first time). 

At this time, we are experiencing significant financial difficulties due to the fact that I've been unable to work because of my dad needing 24 hour assistance and supervision due to his dementia. I cannot afford to put Dad in daycare so that I can go back to work to help to remedy our financial situation. We have maxed out our credit cards, I have cashed in 2 life insurance policies, and have cashed in a significant amount from my retirement accounts.

In the midst of COVID in 2020, we moved from our home in Asheville to be closer to family in Winston Salem. We bought a townhome that was built in 1969, and have experienced extensive plumbing issues ever since we moved in (I still owe $6K on repairs due to a busted pipe when we first moved in).

In addition to the above plumbing issues, we now have a hot water heater that needs replacing. It is leaking water on the floor (I go through 2-3 large towels each day to soak up the leaking water). It is about 16 years old and I've been told that it needs to be replaced rather than repaired.

Lastly, I am driving a 15 year old car (Honda CRV) that needs repair work done that I cannot afford to get completed. Every time I go to the grocery store I'm afraid it's going to break down (this has happened once already).

I've put off asking for help for over 6 months as I am embarrassed to ask for this help, but I truly don't know what else to do. I've prayed about it and decided this is my last ditch effort to get some assistance.

I appreciate your help. Regardless of how small a donation you are able to make it will help us!

Thank you,

Karen Edwards