STARTING A NEW LIFE AT 54!

(A SUCCESS STORY FOR THOMAS)

Note: The name of the consumer, in the story below, has been changed to protect his privacy.

 

Thomas has spent quite a bit of his life in institutional settings.  His first placement was at the age of six years.  Last year, when 54, he moved to a private home with another housemate.  In less than a year’s time Thomas has changed dramatically, according to his principal caregiver.

First of all, Thomas is happy, always smiling and cheerful.  He loves to take walks along the river.  He takes an interest in shopping, and loves to eat out at his favorite restaurants.  These are all new experiences for him.

Secondly, Thomas does many things for himself that he was unable to do before including showering, dressing himself, folding his clothing, and helping to keep his home clean.

It wasn’t an instant adjustment for Thomas, of course.  For the first couple of weeks, after his move to his new home, he seemed agitated.  His records from the habilitation center indicated he had “aggressive behaviors”.  However, any sign of agitation soon disappeared.  Thomas has progressed from having two staff with him in the beginning, to having only one staff person now.

His provider provides 24 hour a day Individualized Supported Living (ISL) services for adults with developmental disabilities.  The agency operates one group home and eight duplex apartments, which can accommodate 17 consumers of the Missouri Department of Mental Health/Division of Developmental Disabilities.  “Our consumers have varying levels of abilities, not disabilities,” explains the home operator.  “We build support around each person, and we work closely with all parties involved, to develop individual plans of service.”

In ISL’s, consumers are taught responsibility and independence.  They are also involved in their surrounding community by participating in activities of their choice.  At the other end of the spectrum, in their new homes, they have the gift of privacy.  Thomas clearly enjoys having his own space.  In the evening, when others are watching TV in the living room, he may get tired and go to his room to lie down.

One other positive aspect of his new situation is living near his family.  His uncle/guardian lives approximately three miles away, and makes regular visits to see him at the ISL.  Additional family members visit periodically, which has a reassuring effect on Thomas.

Thomas is happier, calmer, and more self-sufficient in his new home.