Forum Activity for @terry-lynch

Family members and self-determination

Open Discussion

Dea Yost and I did a breakout on this topic at the Conference. The core message--------- to help people live the best possible lives we need to do the same for family caregivers.My ten years as my mother's advocate and primary caregiver taught me how important it is to not takefamilymembers'contributions for granted. Many family members are a resource to be supported and nurtured,not just a "given".I would not have been able to help my mom for 10 years without the concerned support of our case manager and other Racine County DHS staff.

updated by @terry-lynch: 02/23/16 03:06:00AM

When is self-determination no longer possible?

Open Discussion

Thanks Dave-- I will check them out and then back to you.Terry

When is self-determination no longer possible?

Open Discussion

Recently, Italkedto a friend and colleagueaboutmy interest in doing a workshop on self-determination for people with dementia. Shecouldn't see howself-determinationapplied in those situations.

I reminded her about my mom's life.She had osteoporosis andvascular dementia, which is the second most commonkind of dementia. afterAlzheimer's disease.We used COP and waiver funds to hire self-employed personal care workers and the county contracted witha homecare agency to provide my mother services several hours a day. (Was she "self-directing" those services?)

The outcomes were what mattered. My mother was (usually) supported by the aides she liked the most. She got her shower and breakfast at the best time for her-- mid-morning. She decided what to have for lunch, when she had it, and whether or not it would be on the front porch. My mom was assisted to host parties, have her cocktail hour at 5:00, get a break from me and enjoy life in her community. We helped her keep track of what wasgoing on.She never doubted that she was loved and respected......

My friend stopped me. OK, I surrender. I told her that was disappointing. I was just getting warmed up.

updated by @terry-lynch: 02/23/16 03:06:00AM