Crisis Care for Roger & Joyce

Joyce has been battling multiple sclerosis for 30 years, and has required 24/7 care for the last several years due to advanced disease progression. She is now totally immobile and requires someone to lift and transfer her to bed, bathroom, bathing, and daily activities. She has ongoing confusion, memory loss, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms, along with many other health concerns. 

Joyce's husband, Roger, retired earlier than planned to care for her at home. Her situation has drastically depleted his financial reserves due to costly medical requirements, a specialty van for her travel, and the need to hire in-home help when he must be away from the house for short periods. 

Recently, Roger experienced severe weakness and fatigue and went to the ER. It was discovered that he needs an emergency heart valve replacement. The surgery comes with 3-4 months of rehab before Roger can even consider returning to the lifting and physical demands of Joyce's caregiving. He is a strong, dedicated husband, and is committed to resuming his FT caregiving job after completing his surgical recovery. 

Because of Joyce's significant health and cognition issues, she requires hourly attention. Much of this is physically challenging and involves transferring her to/from her wheelchair, repositioning her in bed, etc. Her children have been covering daytime and overnight shifts with the assistance of paid caregivers while Roger has been in the hospital. Insurance will not cover Joyce's home stay while Roger is undergoing rehabilitation. She must go to a nursing facility for respite care, and this benefit lasts only three weeks before the family must find an alternative care option.

Joyce has been traumatized by Roger's health situation, and she experiences additional fear, anxiety, and confusion when she is outside her home environment. The best scenario for her health would be to manage her medical needs at home where she can be near Roger and familiar with her surroundings. Steep hourly caregiving rates prohibit the family from affording this, and her children are unable to keep up with her full-time care while maintaining employment and managing their families' needs.

Your donation will be carefully and judiciously used to pay for Joyce's in-home care and medical expenses while Roger is hospitalized and in rehabilitation. We estimate that this will cost between $38,000-$50,000 for the next several months, depending upon Roger's recovery.

Prayers are appreciated if you are unable to donate. We believe in the power of prayer. We believe that God is in firm control of this situation, and will uphold Joyce, Roger, and our family as we face this difficult season. We are very thankful for the support of friends and family who have visited mom and offered to help during this time. Please pray for healing for Roger, peace for Joyce, and wisdom for their children (Jason and Shannon) as they determine the best way to manage Joyce's care over the next several months. Thank you.