Taking care of a parent with dementia is hard. You’re dealing with their memory loss, their confusion, and sometimes even their anger or fear. On top of that, caregiving often becomes a full-time job. You may be spending your own money on medications, home care supplies, or even giving up your job to stay home. Naturally, you might wonder—can you get help financially? And can crowdfunding actually pay you to care for your loved one?
Yes, crowdfunding can help you raise money to care for a parent with dementia—but it won’t be a salary. It depends on how you share your story and how much support you get. Crowdfunding is more like a gift from people who care, not a paycheck.
What Is Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is when you ask a large group of people—mostly online—to donate money for a specific cause. You’ve probably heard of websites like GoFundMe, GiveSendGo, or CaringBridge. These platforms let you set up a personal page, tell your story, set a goal, and ask for help.
For example, if you’re caring for your dad who has late-stage Alzheimer’s and need help buying adult diapers or hiring a home aide a few hours a week, you can start a fundraiser explaining your situation. Friends, relatives, and even strangers may donate to help.
But remember, crowdfunding is not guaranteed income. Some people raise thousands. Some people raise nothing.
Can You Really Get Paid Through Crowdfunding?
This is where things get a little tricky. Technically, crowdfunding doesn’t pay you like a job. You’re not working for a company that sends you a paycheck. But the money you raise can still help cover caregiving costs.
Let’s say you raise $5,000 through GoFundMe. That money is meant to be used for your parent’s care, but you can also use part of it to cover your own expenses—like taking unpaid leave from work, gas money to appointments, or even groceries if you’re struggling.
Here’s a simple example in table format:
| Expense Type | Covered by Crowdfunding? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Home health aide | Yes | Hiring part-time help |
| Adult diapers or supplies | Yes | Monthly care items |
| Personal caregiver time | Indirectly | Use donations to ease personal costs |
| Mortgage or rent | Maybe | If caregiving affects your work income |
| Medical bills | Yes | Medication or doctor visits |
Who Donates to These Campaigns?
In most cases, it’s your own circle—friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors. But sometimes strangers donate too, especially if your story gets shared widely on social media or local news. People are more likely to give when:
- Your story is honest and emotional
- You show real pictures and updates
- You’re not asking for luxury or “extras”
- You clearly explain how the money will help your parent
Some donors just want to help someone who’s doing a kind and difficult thing—taking care of a loved one with dementia.
What Makes a Good Fundraising Campaign?
A strong campaign starts with a good, clear story. You don’t need to write like a professional. Just speak from the heart.
Here are some tips:
- Share what kind of dementia your parent has
- Describe how it has changed your life
- List the expenses you’re struggling with
- Explain how any help will make a difference
- Add photos of you and your parent (with respect and privacy)
If your mom used to be a schoolteacher and now doesn’t remember your name—that kind of detail touches hearts. People relate to stories more than numbers.
Also, keep your goal realistic. Asking for $3,000 for medical supplies is more likely to succeed than asking for $50,000 to build a new home.
Will I Owe Taxes on Crowdfunded Money?
This is a common question and it depends on a few things. Generally, the IRS treats personal donations—like those on GoFundMe—as “gifts,” not income. That means you likely won’t owe taxes if people give you money out of kindness.
But if you say you’re using the funds for a business or if a donor gives a very large amount, it might be treated differently. It’s always a good idea to talk to a tax person if you raise a lot.
Here’s a quick look at the general tax rules:
| Situation | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Donations for personal care | No | Usually treated as non-taxable gifts |
| Donations to a registered nonprofit | No | Nonprofit handles the taxes |
| Large single donation (over $18,000) | Maybe | Donor may need to file a gift tax form |
| Using money for business purposes | Yes | Could be taxed as income |
Can I Start a Fundraiser Just for My Own Efforts?
Yes, you can. But you need to be clear. Some caregivers say, “I need help so I can quit my job and care for Dad full-time.” If people believe in your reason, they might help. Others ask for specific needs like respite care or transportation.
Again, crowdfunding works best when you’re honest, realistic, and respectful. Don’t just say “I want to get paid.” Say, “I’m struggling, and I’m trying to keep my parent at home with love and dignity.”
What Platform Should I Use?
Here are a few popular platforms to consider:
| Platform | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GoFundMe | Personal medical & caregiving | Most popular, easy to use |
| GiveSendGo | Faith-based audiences | Good for religious caregivers |
| CaringBridge | Updates for loved ones + support | Great for sharing updates & emotional help |
| Fundly | Small to medium campaigns | No required goal amount |
| PlumFund | Fee-free for personal fundraising | Good for emergencies or small asks |
Most of these platforms take a small processing fee (around 2.9% + 30 cents per donation), but they are mostly free to use otherwise.
What If I Feel Embarrassed Asking for Help?
That’s totally normal. Many caregivers feel ashamed or uncomfortable asking for money, even though they desperately need it. But think of it like this—if your friend was struggling to care for her parent, wouldn’t you help if you could?
You’re not begging. You’re giving people the chance to support something good. Most donors want to help—they just need to know how.
And even if the campaign doesn’t raise a lot, just sharing your story might bring other help—like neighbors offering meals, or local groups donating supplies.
Can I Get Crowdfunding Help More Than Once?
Yes, many people run more than one fundraiser. But try not to overdo it. If people see constant fundraisers, they might get tired or start to doubt you. It’s better to space it out and show how previous funds were used responsibly.
You can also give updates with photos, messages, and small milestones like “Dad walked 10 steps today” or “Thanks to donations, we hired a nurse for two afternoons this week.”
Updates help build trust and keep your supporters connected.
Can I Combine Crowdfunding with Other Help?
Yes, and you should. Crowdfunding should not be your only plan. You can also:
- Apply for government caregiver programs (like Medicaid waiver programs)
- Look into local nonprofit help
- Join Facebook groups for caregivers
- Ask religious or community groups for support
- Check if your parent qualifies for VA benefits or disability funds
Even a small amount from each source can make a difference.
Key Points to Remember
- Crowdfunding can help you raise money to care for a parent with dementia
- It’s not a salary, but it can ease financial pressure
- Be honest, clear, and emotional in your story
- Use real pictures and explain your needs
- Choose the right platform for your situation
- You likely won’t owe taxes unless it’s for business or large gifts
- Keep your supporters updated and say thank you
- Combine crowdfunding with other resources when possible
Thanks for reading. I hope this article helped you understand how crowdfunding might support you as a dementia caregiver. If you have any questions, drop a comment below. And don’t forget to share this with your friends or family on social media—it might help someone else too.
