Adventures with Leslie: Board Meeting
Adventures with Leslie Sometimes you don’t pick the cause, it picks you. When I took over my sister Leslie’s care, I had no idea what the future would bring. I was reeling from the impact on my career and family. Then, I quickly realized I hadn’t been working all these years for myself, I was working for the people I love. Leslie was very happy in my home, but I knew she needed care beyond what I could provide. She needed a place where she could be with friends and have a fuller life, in addition to being part of my family. The first time I took her to visit her new Richcroft Inc home, she already knew two of her roommates. They hugged warmly after not having seen each other for years. I knew right away that Richcroft was a special place. I am honored to share that I have been asked to chair Richcroft’s first-ever advisory board. It’s exciting to to bring my many years of experience in business and non-profits to an organization that is helping Leslie live her best life! I attended my first board meeting this past week. I’d already experienced first-hand how they are redefining care for Leslie, but here are just a few examples of their innovative approach: · Chef Manny Robinson explained how he was hired to go into the homes and teach healthy food preparation to the house managers. · A supported individual spoke about how her house manager was by her side every step of the way as she achieved her healthy-weight goals. · Someone from the day program shared his adventures kayaking, which I loved hearing because so many day program just house people like Leslie in buildings, without meaningful activities. At Richcroft, supported individuals are encouraged to live their best life, and employees are valued. It is a special place and I am honored to be part of it. Thank you, Kevin Drumheller!
Adventures with Leslie: Compassionate Care
Adventures with Leslie I got a call a few weeks ago, “Hello, my name is Kyle (name changed) and I’m looking for the representative for Leslie. I’m her new service coordinator.” Ugh. My luck had run out. When I took over Leslie’s care, I sifted through piles of documents from my mothers’ house, many were crammed in boxes and covered with layers of dust and debris, looking for clues to Leslie’s diagnosis and care. In 2016, we had tried to get Leslie removed from my mother’s house…the court filings were in there. I found healthcare records dating back to 1969, and a copy of every W2 for disability benefits over the years. One specific/generic letter came up over and over. They all start with “I’m your new service coordinator.” By my count, Leslie had fifteen service coordinators in fifteen years. Sometimes up to three in a year! But, since 2017, she has had the same person – Jeanne Gonzales. Jeanne was truly my partner in getting Leslie the care she needed. A service coordinator is someone – outside the family – who ensures the vulnerable in our community have access to support, service and care. As taxpayers, the care provided is a significant investment, and service coordinators ensure every person they serve is making the most of this investment. I did my very best to support my sister, but I could not have done any of what I did without Jeanne. She made great recommendations on programs, and she helped me find the perfect place for her. When Leslie went to visit her new home for the first time, Jeanne was there. She’s like family. Leslie loves everyone so I know she’ll love Kyle, but stable, compassionate care is what the most vulnerable in our community really need.
Adventures with Leslie, Special Olympics
There were few things Leslie wanted to keep when she moved in with me. A notable exception: her Special Olympics Maryland patches from the 1970’s!
Adventures with Leslie, An Honored Guest
It’s the kind of question you ask knowing that whichever way it’s answered, there’s really no way to say no, which is why I was nervous to pick up the phone and call. But I also didn’t want to miss the wedding.
Adventures with Leslie, Independence
Leslie returned home after visiting with family for a few days. She walked in the door…didn’t slow her roll even a tiny bit as she breezed past me…took off her shoes, walked up the steps, emptied her lunch bag, put the water bottle and containers in the sink, handed me the schedule of activities at her day program, unpacked her overnight bag, put her laundry in the bin, and hung up her clothes.
Adventures with Leslie, Crisis!
Caring for someone with disabilities requires understanding what kinds of programs/services are available in the community. Leslie is in a day program called Chimes. It gives her purpose – a place to go every day.
Adventures with Leslie, A Fashion Show
Yesterday, I settled on the sale of my mother’s house. I knew the paperwork would be signed later in the day, so I asked Leslie if she’d like to go over to see it one last time. It was her home for most of her adult life. She said no.
Adventures with Leslie, Unconditional Love
Leslie arrived at my house with a bottle of shampoo that was more water than cleanser, and towels that no longer represented their original color, threadbare with holes. Everything was in tattered plastic bags. Leslie needs basic care.
Adventures with Leslie, Frappes are the Bomb!
I wasn’t sure how much to do for my sister Leslie when she arrived at my house. In many ways she is an adult, and in others, she is sweet and child-like. This contrast presented itself right away when it comes to household chores.
Adventures with Leslie, Duty and Privilege
One of the new jobs in my role caring for my sister, Leslie, was taking an oath as her representative payee.
