Support the Stewart Family's Dementia Care Costs

Help the Stewart Family With Extraordinary Expenses Brought on by Early Onset Dementia

My name is Kelsey Stewart. In 2016, my life and my family's was forever changed. My father, Neil, was diagnosed with early onset dementia, FTD (Frontotemporal Degeneration), at age 55. He has been in a nursing home since 2018.

Here are a few facts regarding early-onset dementia. “Frontotemporal degeneration is associated with substantial direct and indirect costs, diminished quality of life, and increased caregiver burden,” said James E. Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., associate dean for clinical research in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine.

“Most patients with this disease are working age and have to leave the labor force during their peak earning years. Caregivers of these patients also may need to alter their careers to provide care. Combined, these factors contribute to a substantial decrease in household income. Patients with FTD and their caregivers are typically in their prime earning years, they have dependent children, and they have difficulty accessing services developed for older adults, primarily with dementia.”

I am starting a GoFundMe to help my mom with extraordinary expenses brought on by the high cost of nursing home care. She has had to spend roughly $350,000 out of her savings for his care and pre-diagnosis financial issues that are part of the symptoms of this disease. Each month, my mom receives a bill from the nursing home for $5,400, a sum she cannot afford to pay.

The current amount owed to the nursing home is $153,000. My father cannot speak or do any of his daily living tasks, requiring him to stay in a locked, full-care facility.

These donations will help her with the balance owed to the nursing home as well as expenses incurred from the increase in debt brought on by FTD.

Thank you for taking the time to read this; we greatly appreciate any help.