The need is now

Professionals and parents alike recognize that individuals with special needs typically have trouble handling transitions. Whether it’s as small a change as going to a different restaurant than was mentioned yesterday or as major as an unexpected trip to the dentist, predictability and a regular schedule play a large part in making each day pleasant and allowing it to go smoothly. With a transition as significant as moving to a new home, it takes patience and preparation to ensure that people with I/DD are ready for the changes that a new abode will bring without suffering through too many meltdowns. 

More importantly, as we are now experiencing with our parent’s generation, there is a strong likelihood that we may eventually become unable to care for our child as we age, whether due to physical or other age-related infirmities. Parents may even pass away before being able to help prepare their adult child for the transition from their home and care to some other abode. The loss of a parent is powerful and emotionally traumatic for those without special needs. Now consider the impact on a person who does not handle transitions well, especially when his/her parent has been the only caregiver and emotional support they have ever known. In addition to the sense of personal loss, all that has been familiar and comforting to the child─home, room, regular schedule, neighbors, church and perhaps even pets─ may be lost at the same moment without any preparation. Without question, parents themselves need to be involved in making arrangements for, and easing their child into, independent living before it becomes absolutely necessary and while the parents and the child have some control over their choices.

The need to help manage what may be the child’s most important transition is why special needs lawyers, medical professionals and social work professionals spend so much time and energy advising families to plan ahead and begin the process while parents are still able to participate in, educate and assist their adult children with special needs in managing these changes. 

Even with all that has been written on the subject, statistics tell us that seven out of every 10 adults with a disability still live at home with their parents and other family caregivers.  Our programs and housing options are meant to provide parents and loved ones with an introduction to what is available for adults with special needs, determining what’s best for a specific individual will depend upon that person’s need for support, finances and their preferences, as well as those of their family.

 Congregate Connect is here to assist you with these options and walk you through the process...