Care for Gigi

Hi I’m Tara and this is for my mom Gail. I really thought doing this for myself was a little self absorbed but I’m going to do it anyway because I am desperate and as a social worker you can’t take the advocate out of me.

My mom my best friend recently had a stroke and as thankful as we are that the outcome could have been worse, she has expressive aphasia which means it is difficult for her to communicate at times and this affects her cognition. She needs 24 hour supervision and assistance.

She’s an amazing mom, Gigi, friend, and all around wonderful human being. My heart breaks a little more everyday hoping each day she will improve but that’s not always the path for people post stroke.

I am currently on medical leave as her primary caregiver. Although later on I will receive some assistance from short term disability I currently am not receiving close to a full paycheck.

I am a single mom and my mom lived with me prior to the stroke, but was vibrant and independent. Currently she needs a lot of assistance and aphasia recovery post stroke takes time.

I’m a social worker in an Assisted Living so I don’t have an option to work from home unfortunately.

In order to support my mom and my son I do need to return to work but cannot provide the care she needs and work at the same time during the day.

She is receiving physical, occupational, and speech therapy but it’s only a few hours of her day.

If anyone knows anything about healthcare hiring private help is not covered by insurance and is very expensive.

I know we are going into the holiday season and money is tight in general because everything is expensive so I understand this is a huge ask, but if you can spare anything we would all appreciate it more than you know.

I will pay this forward when my disability money comes in.

Bless you all and happy holiday season. Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts