MLK 2018

I had Matt over night this past weekend. 

 

When I took Matt home on Monday around 5:30, I was greeted by three rather anti social and unhelpful male staff members.   Matt’s bedding had been pulled apart – not clear if laundry had been done or not – and of course Matt was very distressed.   I asked George who was nearby Matt's room – and he told me he had just arrived, that was all he kept saying, almost like throwing up his hands and saying don’t look at me not my problem.  Then I asked James who sat in the med room and gave a similar answer but in a really surly way.   He just sat there, barely speaking and said he’d just arrived.

 

So do I raise a stink and ask for a manager to be called?  No, because I’m afraid for Matt’s well being after I leave.   Not his safety but attitudes towards him.  But he shouldn't come home to a ransacked or unmade bed.

 

Matt doesn’t fit into the mold at Virginia Manor – he doesn’t sit around and follow orders like a sheep.  His needs are different.  I feel so frustrated when I’m dealing with less than capable staff and knowing I have to leave Matt in a less than desirable situation.   He has the right to feel comfortable in his home.   He has the right to have his eccentricities embraced.  And I know that some staff go out of their way to make this happen.  Other staff should be put on notice that if they are not able to provide the interaction and support that Matt requires then they should look for a different job.

 

 I realize some things are out of the manager's control.  But I am going to start taking things to the next level to make sure Matt’s needs are all being addressed.

By the way he has recently put on a lot of weight.  this may be from his midnight snacking or it may be that he is served tator tots every night.  I don't know.  But I also consider his health the responsibility of his group home.

the boy that cried wolf.  Or rather, the boy that never cries wolf.  If Matthew complains pretty consistently to me that he sees a black spot in his eye, I believe him.  How would he make that up?  If he doesn't complain to staff at the group home, does that mean it doesn't exist?  I find their nonchalant behavior callous.

Ongoing staffing issues - who doesn't experience that?  But when it involved a disabled adult it is hard to pin down when emotional abuse takes place.   I let slip that an upcoming event is very important to Matt.  I used it to try to get him to follow directions. But now fear that staff will use it over and over like a threat.

Staff (O) said Matt was getting physical - really?  Or were they trying to get him to do something by putting his hat on his head or moving his jacket?  Matt will react - but does he instigate?  I have only seen him physical when being forced to do something he doesn't want to or if someone takes something that he feels belongs to him.  

FAMILY SAGA CONTINUES

come on - when do we get a break?

now it is my sister who is breaking our hearts.

what causes people to feel self imposed guilt?

I hope we make it to 2012

WHY DON'T YOU SEE HOW SMART HE IS??!!

Matthew - an adult with Down Syndrome - has read like forever. He is 41 and he has been reading well over half his life. His vocabulary is huge. His spelling and writing not so good. He can't seem to recall words but when he sees them he can understand them.

For yet the hundredth time, someone at his group home wanted to put him in a basic reading class. Where is your head people? He reads! He reads the Arts & Leisure section of the NYTimes (Okay - he reads about the movies but he is reading). So I suggested that they deal with Matt using the written word. Encourage the reading and writing in every day events. Help challenge him since he is by far the most advanced special needs person in the house - and he is BORED.

Tonight on 60 minutes they did a program about the iPad and how it has helped autistic children. I think it might help Matt move to the next level. Perhaps there is a secret genius there just bursting to come out :-)

ABUSE CONTINUES

I think it may be impossible to stop now that it has started - and it has been discussed with the two special needs individuals. I cannot help but think that even if they know it is wrong, they know it draws attention and that is something I think they crave.

So how do we get the individual to stop bothering Matthew? Even if it occurs infrequently, I can't help but imagine that he might be fearful or intimidated all the time.

FAMILY AND DOC TO MEET ARC SUPPORT TEAM

Finally got it all scheduled - and now have SLiberi attending. Fingers crossed.