After thinking over this hard decision for quite a while, I am humbled in asking for help for my father. On Christmas Eve, my father, Robert Simpson, was admitted to Morton Plant for severe confusion and kidney failure. The doctors had diagnosed him with rapid onset dementia and stage 4 chronic kidney disease. After flying back home to Florida to be with him, he surprised us all and continued to heal and improve every single day. He became physically stronger and his mind became sharper. My family and I were able to transition him to a short-term rehab where he is now, continuing to receive physical therapy and doing very well, I might add! He has been his normal affable, sweet, hilarious self throughout this whole process. I am doing my best at shielding him from hard news, financial burdens, and discomfort.

We are hoping that he will be accepted into Oak Manor for assisted living as he can no longer live on his own.

This whole process has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and we are working with a very limited income. From cleaning out his entire apartment, to meeting with attorneys to discuss options, to the flights, and to the many tears shared between my sisters and me, the only thing I have in me left to do is ask for help.

My father is living off of social security and despite serving in the Vietnam War, has virtually no VA benefits at this time. Oak Manor's most basic housing is the most affordable in the area without compromising the level of care he needs. My sisters and I will be covering about $1100 extra every single month for assisted living until Aid and Attendance and/or Medicaid becomes a possibility. It is very uncertain how much time with my father I have left because of his kidney disease and I just want him to be happy and safe in whatever time he has left.

All I can say is donate only if you feel led to and know that every donation is seen, prayed over, and met with so much gratefulness. I love my father so much and I know he has blessed so many with his humor and kindness.