Please help support Claude who died due to Elderly Injustice

**Our Elders Are in Danger!**

For the past 7 months, my elderly uncle, Claude Chestnut, and I have endured a nightmare due to a failing healthcare system. Claude, a kindhearted and hardworking man, dedicated his life to helping others, but after the death of his brother, he became a hoarder as a way of coping. By December 2023, the hoarding had become dangerous, so I insisted on addressing it. However, in April 2024, my uncle fell down the basement stairs, fracturing his spine. After surgery and a month in ICU, he was told he'd never walk again. We worked hard to make him as independent as possible, and he showed progress in rehab, but things soon took another tragic turn.

In his new rehab facility, I quickly noticed problems. The staff was untrained in handling paraplegic patients, and my uncle’s care was neglectful. On his fourth day, I discovered he had developed a wound, despite being assured that he was being properly turned and cared for. This led to a painful and avoidable stage 4 bed sore, which later caused sepsis. The facility continued to neglect him, leading to further complications, including pneumonia and kidney failure. Despite repeated complaints, they failed to provide the necessary care.

In another hospital, the neglect continued. They administered medications against my uncle’s wishes, mistreated him, and repeatedly pushed a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order based on his age. They ignored his progress and pushed him out of treatment too soon. At a new facility, he was found in even worse condition—dirty wounds, MRSA, and severe kidney failure.

By the time he was finally transferred to the ER, it was clear that his condition had worsened dramatically. Despite all my efforts to advocate for him, he died in the hospital while they attempted to give him dialysis. his body rejected it, and his heart stopped. He passed away due to the carelessness and neglect of the healthcare system, which mistreated him at every turn.

This experience has shattered me. The system failed my uncle, and I fear many others suffer the same fate. The staff at these facilities were overworked and indifferent, and the facilities prioritized profit over care. I spent countless hours advocating for my uncle, cleaning his home, and trying to navigate a broken system. Yet, despite all my efforts, I lost him.

I am devastated by the loss and disgusted by a system that fails our elderly loved ones, especially those without advocates. It’s time we address this crisis before more elders are harmed.

I'm sharing my story to raise awareness of how our Elders are treated in the healthcare system and the struggles they face with Medicaid and Medicare. It's heartbreaking that earning a little over $1,800 a month is considered too much to receive assistance, leaving seniors to manage all their living expenses. I hope my story encourages people to check on their elderly loved ones and to highlight the importance of life insurance. Unfortunately, my uncle didn’t have life insurance, so I’m now responsible for his final and memorial arrangements. Managing grief, caring for my family, and handling funeral arrangements without life insurance is overwhelming, and no one should have to go through this. Please encourage your elders to get life insurance if they haven't already.

Thank you for your Support!