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.
