My friend, Henry Wasserman, is 104 years young. He was born in Boston on the 4th of July! He's in relatively great shape for his age, physically and mentally. He's lived with me (I am an indepedent healthcare advocate, www.soulsherpa.net ) and my husband, Bob, for the last five years. Due to natural aging, Henry is now a fall risk, needs to use a walker, and requires 24/7 supervision.
I met Henry and his late wife, Sylvia, in 2009, when I was randomly assigned to serve as their hospice volunteer. At that time I donated four hours each week to TLC Hospice in Moorpark, California. Sylvia was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and died on her 92nd birthday on January 4, 2012. She and Henry were married for 70 years, and the three of us were together in the early morning hours when Sylvia left us almost five years ago.
Somehow Henry survived Sylvia's death. He surprised all of us around him. After a year of not being sure whether he wanted to carry on with his life, Henry opted for life. He's quite alive, but is now legally blind and very unsteady on his feet.
As much as our original hope was to raise enough funds to keep Henry in our home with paid caregivers, that has proven to be too optimistic, and we've had to revise Henry's environment and our campaign goals.
I carefully toured the skilled nursing facilitites (SNFs,) board and care homes, and assisted living centers in our area. That led to a reluctant, but realistic decision, to relocate Henry to a clean, safe, and friendly assisted living facility in Camarillo, California, Brookdale, where he can be monitored 24/7.
Bob and I moved Henry there on November 5, 2016, and have visited him often since then. He loves the facility, the staff, and the food, but he misses being at home with us and making sure our dog, Rosa, receives her two special bones every day.
I became Henry's healthcare agent and power of attorney after he suffered his stroke in November 2011. At that time his only income was his monthly social security payment, and Henry had a small savings account. After five years, Henry's savings are gone and he has only his monthly social security check. This benefit is used to pay Henry's Medicare supplemental insurance, his prescriptions, and occasional sweet treats he enjoys on a daily basis. Presently, Bob and I are responsible for Henry's $3,750.00 monthly room and board (almost double our mortgage payment!)
We're in the process of attempting to secure additional help for Henry's financial needs. Today we're grateful enough donations have been received to pay for Henry's care through mid-December 2016. The goal of this campaign is to build a nest egg for Henry so his monthly assisted living obligations can be met before payment is due. Henry is old, but not ill, and his doctor believes it's possible for Henry to live at least a few more years.
Henry's social security payment is deposited into a bank account I manage. This type of account is called a "Representative Payee For (RPF)" account and required the approval of Henry's doctor. All of the funds raised through this campaign for Henry's assisted living care would be paid to Henry's RPF account. Every year I must provide evidence to the Social Security Administration (SSA) as to how I am managing Henry's funds. All funds raised through this campaign would have to be reported to the SSA on an annual basis, similar to filing a tax return. Should any funds remain in Henry's GoFundMe account when he passes away, those funds will be donated in equal shares to the Braille Institute and the Alzheimer's Association.
Not only do we appreciate appreciate the generousity of those who donate to Henry's care, but we value all of you who share Henry's story on social media and in-person with others. Every time someone talks about Henry's situation, or gives it a boost on social media, we are grateful. Our goal is not to prolong Henry's life artificially, but to allow him to live out the natural course of his life surrounded by a safe, caring, and clean environment. Thank you for considering Henry's well-being and quality of life. You are appreciated!