Support Needed for man moving to TV

[TraceyMooreRN]

This is my story: I have a man who raised me, who recently suffered greatly while volunteering his time for Habitat for Humanity. On June 1st, in Winchester Virginia- my (dad) fell 20 feet from a roof and is now paralyzed from the nipple line down. He has full use of his hands, arms, shoulders and head. I just learned this weekend there is no place "to place him" near his only biological daughter. Therefore, he is coming to TV with me on Sept 19th to live until he can transition on his own. He is 65 years old.
I am looking for support groups for him or any assistance I can get. Because Habitat for Humanity workers sign waivers, there is no money to collect for his injury and life altering change. I am looking for ways to get him a handicap golf cart that he can wheel himself into and out of and also be the driver. Need a motorized wheelchair, shower chair and I also need to know how or if I can start a foundation to help raise money for these items. I am a nurse who works full time and need also companions to sit with him while I am working. I am sure there are many other things I need, I just have so much on my mind--I can't focus on all the aspects. Any thoughts or suggestions--greatly appreciated. I think the lifestyle of The Villages will be great for him. He has so much opportunity to build his independence within this community from our family support and support of the community.

[kittygilchrist]

Tracy you are an RN? wherever you work, there is probably a social worker who can guide you to resources. I'm not sure why you are tossing this question out to the public rather than using professional resources which hopefully you are aware of as a nurse.


This is my story: I have a man who raised me, who recently suffered greatly while volunteering his time for Habitat for Humanity. On June 1st, in Winchester Virginia- my (dad) fell 20 feet from a roof and is now paralyzed from the nipple line down. He has full use of his hands, arms, shoulders and head. I just learned this weekend there is no place "to place him" near his only biological daughter. Therefore, he is coming to TV with me on Sept 19th to live until he can transition on his own. He is 65 years old.
I am looking for support groups for him or any assistance I can get. Because Habitat for Humanity workers sign waivers, there is no money to collect for his injury and life altering change. I am looking for ways to get him a handicap golf cart that he can wheel himself into and out of and also be the driver. Need a motorized wheelchair, shower chair and I also need to know how or if I can start a foundation to help raise money for these items. I am a nurse who works full time and need also companions to sit with him while I am working. I am sure there are many other things I need, I just have so much on my mind--I can't focus on all the aspects. Any thoughts or suggestions--greatly appreciated. I think the lifestyle of The Villages will be great for him. He has so much opportunity to build his independence within this community from our family support and support of the community.

[jannd228]

This is my story: I have a man who raised me, who recently suffered greatly while volunteering his time for Habitat for Humanity. On June 1st, in Winchester Virginia- my (dad) fell 20 feet from a roof and is now paralyzed from the nipple line down. He has full use of his hands, arms, shoulders and head. I just learned this weekend there is no place "to place him" near his only biological daughter. Therefore, he is coming to TV with me on Sept 19th to live until he can transition on his own. He is 65 years old.
I am looking for support groups for him or any assistance I can get. Because Habitat for Humanity workers sign waivers, there is no money to collect for his injury and life altering change. I am looking for ways to get him a handicap golf cart that he can wheel himself into and out of and also be the driver. Need a motorized wheelchair, shower chair and I also need to know how or if I can start a foundation to help raise money for these items. I am a nurse who works full time and need also companions to sit with him while I am working. I am sure there are many other things I need, I just have so much on my mind--I can't focus on all the aspects. Any thoughts or suggestions--greatly appreciated. I think the lifestyle of The Villages will be great for him. He has so much opportunity to build his independence within this community from our family support and support of the community.

Hi Tracy,

I know all about social work services and how they really do not help. I have a former student who had a brain tumor removed 2 months ago. She is a single mom with 2 little boys. She needed help. If you need financial resources, a group of us put up a donation page for here: Indiegogo: An International Crowdfunding Platform to Raise Money (http://www.indiegogo.com/).

If you remember last year a woman was bullied as a bus monitor by some middle school boys who then posted what they did to YouTube. This is the site someone created a send her on a vacation page, it raised $700K. You can read her story there.

I wish you well. I did elder care for 2 years in a similar situation to yours, it is difficult on everyone. Take care and God Bless

[kittygilchrist]

http://www.winchesterstar.com/article/fall_from_roof_injures_4

Habitat for Humanity Workers Injured (http://www.tv3winchester.com/home/headlines/Habitat-for-Humanity-Workers-Injured--209990931.html)

[Bizdoc]

Is he a vet? If so, the Veteran's Service Officer in your county can give all kinds of help including getting him whatever vet benefits he may qualify for. (In Sumter Co, go to the Co Annex on 466A)

Also, contact the Area Agency on Aging for your county. They all sorts of resources and information for people over 65. I'm not as familiar with FL as I was with other states where I have lived, but he may be eligible for assistance under the Medicaid Waiver program (which was designed to help keep folks out of nursing homes).

[kittygilchrist]

Tracey, kudos to you for stepping up to take care of your heart dad. I would start with people you know in social services and medical circles to see where that leads. Dad should have medicare, Yes?
File for SSDI immediately. pm if you need more info..
I think you should be able to get much of what you need from govt sources, some good comes of all the taxes, and someday it's your turn to get some back.

crowdsourcing is a sour note. hope you ignore that advice.

[duffysmom]

...

[jannd228]

Tracey, kudos to you for stepping up to take care of your heart dad. I would start with people you know in social services and medical circles to see where that leads. Dad should have medicare, Yes?
File for SSDI immediately. pm if you need more info..
I think you should be able to get much of what you need from govt sources, some good comes of all the taxes, and someday it's your turn to get some back.

crowdsourcing is a sour note. hope you ignore that advice.

For you kitty, sometimes others can help when some turn up their noses...Bus monitor bullying video - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_monitor_bullying_video)
2nd uncalled for post from you here IMHO

SSDI should help Karen, you may get turned down the first time, I had a similar accident to the one you describe, I was turned down even though my lungs had collapsed while teaching in school...it may take months to get it, SSI comes first file for that FIRST...there are specific rules I am willing to share from personal files

kitty please post responsibly...

[TraceyMooreRN]

He is on medicare and had a small pension. Put it out in the public because this is a popular site and thought someone would know someone who could either guide me or help. All advice is helpful. Also posted under support forum. Yes, I am an RN but never cared for a parapelgic nor do i know where to get handicap golfcart, but have seen them here.

[Bonnevie]

Is he a veteran? That would open up a host of resources to him--and probably provide a lot of what you need. Also, if he was a vet, he would have served during a war time and could quality for a non-service connected pension or get classified aid and attendance which would help a lot. there's a VA clinic at the Villages and a major hospital in Gainesville. The injury does not have to be war related. I worked in a VA spinal cord unit once and most of the people there were injured from accidents not during combat.

I'm not living there yet, hope to be soon, but once I'm living there if you still need occasional companions I would help. I have a friend that had a similar thing happen to him. It's heartbreaking.

[duffysmom]

Tracey, please don't explain why you are posting here, it is entirely appropriate and I'm sorry that anyone was rude to you. I don't have any experience with what you are going through but would like to offer my support in any way that I can. I commend you on your love and dedication to your father. I agree that TV would be a great place for him to live with the right support and I have no doubt that you will find it.

[kittygilchrist]

Gang, this OP is asking for a foundation to help support someone she considers family that is moving into her home. My posts have come from my background as a social worker to steer her to resources that are available and have not been tapped by a person who alleges a medical background and thus should not be clueless and helpless. I'm not heartless...I expect a person to use resources they already have before asking for the public to chip in. For example, Medicare/Medicaid should provide a wheel chair and then a scooter without having to convert a golf cart. If doctors don't think a motorized wheelchair is needed, maybe somebody out there wants to pay for that convenience?

To posters who support the OP's idea of her starting a foundation to crowdsource money without knowing anything to verify whether this situation is genuine,
It must be true that there's a sucker born every minute.

[bkcunningham1]

This is my story: I have a man who raised me, who recently suffered greatly while volunteering his time for Habitat for Humanity. On June 1st, in Winchester Virginia- my (dad) fell 20 feet from a roof and is now paralyzed from the nipple line down. He has full use of his hands, arms, shoulders and head. I just learned this weekend there is no place "to place him" near his only biological daughter. Therefore, he is coming to TV with me on Sept 19th to live until he can transition on his own. He is 65 years old.
I am looking for support groups for him or any assistance I can get. Because Habitat for Humanity workers sign waivers, there is no money to collect for his injury and life altering change. I am looking for ways to get him a handicap golf cart that he can wheel himself into and out of and also be the driver. Need a motorized wheelchair, shower chair and I also need to know how or if I can start a foundation to help raise money for these items. I am a nurse who works full time and need also companions to sit with him while I am working. I am sure there are many other things I need, I just have so much on my mind--I can't focus on all the aspects. Any thoughts or suggestions--greatly appreciated. I think the lifestyle of The Villages will be great for him. He has so much opportunity to build his independence within this community from our family support and support of the community.

I have a friend who is getting information together for me on the costs of the equipment to adapt a golf cart for him. When he gets back to me, I will let you know. I think that would be the first step with the cart.

[kittygilchrist]

He is on medicare and had a small pension. Put it out in the public because this is a popular site and thought someone would know someone who could either guide me or help. All advice is helpful. Also posted under support forum. Yes, I am an RN but never cared for a parapelgic nor do i know where to get handicap golfcart, but have seen them here.

I'm not sure why you think he needs a golf cart. Do you have a doctor's advice for mobility? Why a golf cart? If you don't know how to care for a paraplegic, it seems like you might want to think about patient care doing activities of daily living, preventing decubitus, etc....not about golf carts.

[perrjojo]

This is my story: I have a man who raised me, who recently suffered greatly while volunteering his time for Habitat for Humanity. On June 1st, in Winchester Virginia- my (dad) fell 20 feet from a roof and is now paralyzed from the nipple line down. He has full use of his hands, arms, shoulders and head. I just learned this weekend there is no place "to place him" near his only biological daughter. Therefore, he is coming to TV with me on Sept 19th to live until he can transition on his own. He is 65 years old.
I am looking for support groups for him or any assistance I can get. Because Habitat for Humanity workers sign waivers, there is no money to collect for his injury and life altering change. I am looking for ways to get him a handicap golf cart that he can wheel himself into and out of and also be the driver. Need a motorized wheelchair, shower chair and I also need to know how or if I can start a foundation to help raise money for these items. I am a nurse who works full time and need also companions to sit with him while I am working. I am sure there are many other things I need, I just have so much on my mind--I can't focus on all the aspects. Any thoughts or suggestions--greatly appreciated. I think the lifestyle of The Villages will be great for him. He has so much opportunity to build his independence within this community from our family support and support of the community.


The Village Parrot heads take on many projects, check if they might might help. Wow,Sorry to hear of this tragedy.

[Dreamer61]

Tracey, just want you to know I'm praying for you both and believe God will open doors! Miss kitty, I don't think it's your concern whether they want a golf cart or not. Might be better if you kept your opinions to yourself. Just saying .....

[TraceyMooreRN]

Gang, this OP is asking for a foundation to help support someone she considers family that is moving into her home. My posts have come from my background as a social worker to steer her to resources that are available and have not been tapped by a person who alleges a medical background and thus should not be clueless and helpless. I'm not heartless...I expect a person to use resources they already have before asking for the public to chip in. For example, Medicare/Medicaid should provide a wheel chair and then a scooter without having to convert a golf cart. If doctors don't think a motorized wheelchair is needed, maybe somebody out there wants to pay for that convenience?

To posters who support the OP's idea of her starting a foundation to crowdsource money without knowing anything to verify whether this situation is genuine,
It must be true that there's a sucker born every minute.

First of all: I am an RN, been one since 2009--check it out to verify for free on the state board of FL and look up my license TRACEY MOORE- THE VILLAGES (Sumter County). I have worked night shift for 3 1/2 years--which I never even saw a Case Manager. Second--I managed a Freedom Pointe Rehab for a year- and yes I have contacts, but I still have questions. I relocated to this area last June full-time- and I haven't searched anything like this before--I am a newbie for a disabled family member. I am a cardiac nurse by trade now Emergency Nurse.

Medicare Social Worker stated he doesn't even get a commode/shower chair. Social work (Jill) stated he does not qualify for a electric wheelchair because he has use of his hands and can operate a manual one. Because SCI (Spinal Cord injury) patients don't require bathroom shower chairs I was told today- no to that as well. He is currently in room 509 at Shepard Spinal Rehab Center in Atlanta GA 2020 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta GA 30309. His name is Benjamin Norris. Feel free to verify. The best Spinal Cord Rehab on the east coast. Medicare didn't pay for him to get there- he had to take a loan to pay for the flight and made that decision based on the doctors recommendations that was the best place to go. There was one closer so they didn't cover the cost of the medical plane to transport. He fractured C5-C7, T1 to T8 and L1. With complete injury T-1. He was doing well after the fall--then ended up coding (his heart stopped twice) before they could even do surgery. They brought him back in the ICU at Winchester Medical Center. He had to have a TRACH and PEG tube placed the same day they secured the spine. He was also on and off a ventilator for a week.

He fell while volunteering his time. He is not a Veteran. He has suffered greatly. He has great spirits and will do okay with me and the community.I visited him for the first time this weekend after learning the difficulty of finding placement near his biological daughter. It was easy for me to say for him to come here with me. We have a house with the shower that will allow him to easily get in an still have dignity (I am his daughter even though I am a nurse).

Please continue to send tips and although there are people out there that may think less of those who look for community support--shame on you--if it hasn't happened to your family and you are not living in it--save the "I expect...and as far as a sucker, I am sure he will be willing to meet people and tell his story when arrives--scheduled discharge date from Shepard 09/18 or 09/19.

[TraceyMooreRN]

I'm not sure why you think he needs a golf cart. Do you have a doctor's advice for mobility? Why a golf cart? If you don't know how to care for a paraplegic, it seems like you might want to think about patient care doing activities of daily living, preventing decubitus, etc....not about golf carts.

I would appreciate no more comments from you. However- I will respond one last time to you!

I have thought of decubitus, I have thought of a lot of things. He is doing great in rehab and already doing some ADLs like dressing himself,feeding himself, learning how to get up when he falls over because he doesn't have "trunk" control, he can self cath himself too. Well--why not get him back to as much of a normal life as can be? He can transfer into a wheelchair, and drive a golf cart and here go anywhere. Meet the public- go to the square listen to music, go to the bank, movies, etc. So, I am trying to think of as much as possible.

[TraceyMooreRN]

I have a friend who is getting information together for me on the costs of the equipment to adapt a golf cart for him. When he gets back to me, I will let you know. I think that would be the first step with the cart.

Thank you so much!!

[kittygilchrist]

Tracey, if you want low cost medical equipment, goodwill and hospice thrifts are a good resource. I support what you are doing for your heart dad, and am sorry for the horrible accident he incurred while doing a good deed.

I am in a lantana, which has seats in both showers...perhaps replacing a shower head with a hand held would be an inexpensive fix as you already have seating in the bathroom. I can give you the name of an inexpensive handy guy to replace the shower head.
Thank you for filling us in with details. I hope the community continues to support your effort and that your goal of transitioning him toward independence is successful.
I apologize for any emotional injury to you during this difficult time...it is not easy to get the whole picture from a few words and my questions were intended to be practical, although obviously they seemed negative to many.

[laceylady]

Tracey, just want you to know I'm praying for you both and believe God will open doors! Miss kitty, I don't think it's your concern whether they want a golf cart or not. Might be better if you kept your opinions to yourself. Just saying .....

Gotta' agree on this!!

[kittygilchrist]

Gotta' agree on this!!

:agree:

[Duvalboomer]

Tracy you are an RN? wherever you work, there is probably a social worker who can guide you to resources. I'm not sure why you are tossing this question out to the public rather than using professional resources which hopefully you are aware of as a nurse.

Wow what a caring and thoughtful post!

[graciegirl]

Useless to try to say anything on a public forum. To defend or condone. Only God knows what is the best way to get help for someone. I personally think Kitty was asking questions based on her own background as a social worker. Kitty is a good person.

[Duvalboomer]

Tracy, I would also check with some local churches. Many of them have support groups like meals on wheels and volunteers that will come and sit with people. I also would look into the legal angle, a good lawyer should be able to get around a waiver, from the short article posted it sounded like their may have been unsafe working conditions and or negligence. I would at least speak with an attorney

[TraceyMooreRN]

Tracy, I would also check with some local churches. Many of them have support groups like meals on wheels and volunteers that will come and sit with people. I also would look into the legal angle, a good lawyer should be able to get around a waiver, from the short article posted it sounded like their may have been unsafe working conditions and or negligence. I would at least speak with an attorney


When he gets here mid/late September we will discuss further about legal issues. I asked him briefly about the cost of the rehab center, etc. He said that the claims are being billed Medicare 1st, his secondary insurance 2nd, then whatever they don't cover then Habitat for Humanity is covering. Since his daughter is POA in Virginia (while he was vented), we are not really discussing finances yet. His spirits remain high.

He does remember the event (fall). He lost his balance while applying boards to the roof. Regained his balance and another man reached for him and threw them both off balance and they both fell. The other guy (was the Supervisor of Habitat for Humanity for that job site). He had broken bones- but no permanent damage and visited Benny in the hospital. Two other women were injuried when debris fell on them as the two men fell to the ground. As far as I know- no permanent damage but broken bones.

[kagney123]

I would appreciate no more comments from you. However- I will respond one last time to you!

I have thought of decubitus, I have thought of a lot of things. He is doing great in rehab and already doing some ADLs like dressing himself,feeding himself, learning how to get up when he falls over because he doesn't have "trunk" control, he can self cath himself too. Well--why not get him back to as much of a normal life as can be? He can transfer into a wheelchair, and drive a golf cart and here go anywhere. Meet the public- go to the square listen to music, go to the bank, movies, etc. So, I am trying to think of as much as possible.

I met a man in Naples with the same exact injury, he was traveling alone, exploring Florida while on summer vacation from Canada, where he teaches....he was hip and happening....
We met while awaiting entry onto a sunset cruise, he sat by my cousin, Debra (she is a talker) LoL.. As I listened I learned soo much, its good to keep your mouth shut at times...
My cousin had his email...They corresponded for awhile, his name is Clyve..from Canada where he teaches... I will ask for his email....

[gjbl8114]

Tracey how admirable of you to take on such a difficult task. I think you will eventually get responses from people who are willing and able to help you with your efforts. Anyone who so willingly gives og their time such as you are doing, and apparently as the gentleman you are attempting to help, deserves as much help and consideration as possible. Of course their are governmental agencies out there that could be of help, but I'm sure that in time all of these resources will be pursued. But, as for now, it simply sounds as though you need some very specific things as well as some form of custodial help with his care while you are at work and doing other things to make a difference in this man's life.

I am not in residence at this time, but you can bet that if I were in residence, I would gladly volunteer to assist in anyway possible. What I can suggest, however, is that you make an immediate phone call to New Covenant Methodist Church. They have one of the best out-reach programs that I have ever witnessed. I'm certain that once you get in touch with them and explain your situation, not only will you get the assistance you need, you will in all likelihood get someone to chase down the resources that will be needed later.

It's unfortunate that you have not received a response through this forum from someone who has either the time or resources to assist you in your efforts. When I read of things such as this, my heart goes out to those who are in the business of geniunely helping others by walking the walk instead of talking the talk. It doesn't matter whether people have doubt or distrust of your efforts, it only matters that one contributes their God given talents or resources to help someone in need.

[tomcalwriter]

Hello, Tracey:

My girl friend might be interested in helping. She has worked with disabled people who need help with basic needs in the past and is very patient and kind. She is 60 years old. If you would like to communicate with her, her name is Peggy and her email is pwilbert1953@yahoo.com. Her hourly rate is very reasonable.

Tom

[TraceyMooreRN]

Thank you--Tomcalwriter, I will contact her when he gets closer to getting here. DJB8114- thanks for the contact information.
Kagney 123--that would be great, maybe they could communicate via email and share stories.

Thank you all for helping.

[salpal]

Tell the story to the Daily Sun. People in TV are very generous.

[Madelaine Amee]

Tell the story to the Daily Sun. People in TV are very generous.

This is a great idea, organizations from everywhere will come forward to help you.

[57ChevyFI]

Great Idea, I will toss the idea with Benny when he arrives to TV and hopefully he will agree that is a great place to spread the word. Such a sad story to have someone giving back to the community and this tragedy strikes.

[Dayton]

Look at - Raise Money for YOU! Crowdfunding & Online Fundraising Websites! (http://www.gofundme.com)
You may some help there, too.
Good luck to you both.