At just 32 years old, Manuel’s life and the lives of his family changed forever when a motorcycle accident left him quadriplegic. Complications from his accident led to a stroke which in turn left him in a passive coma. Now, his range of physical motion is limited to eye flutters and slight hand gestures.

Manuel is on Medicaid, which has covered most of his medical bills. But it has taken three years of waiting to qualify for the home-based care that he needs most desperately. Shortly after the accident, Manuel was placed in Medicaid hospice care. But after eight months the round-the-clock hospice care came to an end, despite the fact that he remained unable to move, speak, eat, or bathe himself. His family, with no formal training, and competing demands on their time, has been his only source of care.

July 2019 marked three years since Manuel’s tragic accident, and three years of suffering without help.

Manuel’s needs are varied and intensive. While in Medicaid hospice care, Manuel received essential nutrients through a nutrition pack delivered via a feeding tube. He was also provided with diapers to address his lack of basic bodily controls. Without financial help, his family cannot afford nutrition and diapers. Manuel has lost an astounding amount of weight because his family has had to improvise.

July 2019 marked three years since Manuel’s tragic accident, and three years of suffering without help. His aunt has put her life on hold to help her beloved nephew, while she contends with her own back pain and circulatory problems. Manuel’s mother cannot work because she’s caring for Manuel, and his grandmother has been unable to peacefully retire as she worries for her grandson. His family members have sacrificed everything to keep him out of a nursing home and care for him at home. This fall, they could finally breathe a sigh of relief when they learned that after advocacy by various organizations, including Florida Health Justice Project, Manuel’s application for home care was finally approved. Now Manuel and his family will finally receive the care they have been desperately awaiting.