A Future Beyond the Waiting List

A few weeks ago I attended a lecture that gave an overview of housing choices for Special Needs. This is something that Paul and I will have to think about for David's future. Next year we both turn 55 and this will put David on the "urgent" list with the Department of Developmental Disabilities. From what I understand they are just now getting to those whose names were placed on the list in the year 2001. So where will that leave us? Not that we're in a hurry, or that we're even ready to face that choice, it's just that we know it will be the next thing we'll need to address for David's future.
The speakers talked about various choices of housing options. One that was not mentioned, until I brought it up, was an assisted living like we now see cropping up all over for senior citizens. Why this type of housing you ask? Well, out of the choices given, the only place that I could see David fitting was a group home. But if his roommates on any given day say were out at jobs or a day program, and David wasn't having a great day seizure wise, where does this leave him? Home with a staff person. If he were at an assisted living type facility he could at least drop in on an activity as his condition allowed. There could be a day program right there as we know transportation is always another factor. Many activities could take place there just as they do for the seniors. After the meeting I spoke to the woman from DDD and she said that they were starting to think of Assisted Living type facilities as the population that is now in group homes and such is aging and their needs are expanding.

In the town where these series of lectures are taking place the mayor has had land set aside where an apartment building will be built for those with Special Needs. Many towns have a senior apartment housing. Can't towns do this also for those who need it the most? Can your town do this? Would it?

Copyright © 2006 Deborah Sharp Loeb