-
-
bowlingbun Online
- Member

-
- Posts: 25233
- Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 9:19 pm
Mon Jul 15, 2013 10:35 am
Near me there used to me a large hospital for those with learning difficulties. The former manager told me, when we met there for a meeting, that it was in many ways, a lovely safe environment. There were, it is true, some profoundly handicapped people there, but they were in a secure unit. The others lived in group homes, and there was a laundry etc. etc. on site. There was a good community spirit, and people were safe. My son M with SLD, went to a Camphill School when he was eight years old, for the rest of his school days. Again, beautiful grounds, group homes, everyone knew everyone else, and made allowances for each other. The same organisation has a place called Botton Village, for adults in a similar setting. Now he lives alone in a flat on a former council estate. He keeps it like a palace, far tidier than my own home, but apart from his carers, there is no real social interaction. At the moment, I'm having endless problems with his care providers. The manager has two children under five, the service has expanded, and she can't cope. Sadly, my eldest son and I have come to the conclusion that this is not the long term solution for M, because he is very lonely. In an ideal world, I'd like to see him living in his own place, but with other friends around him, to have a laugh and a joke with, share a beer, etc. etc. McCarthy and Stone build similar places for elderly people, but there's nowhere for those with learning difficulties. It I won the lottery, I'd certainly build it!