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.