[annharth]

I have friends with a 15-year-old son with an intellectual disability. They are an amazing family and have never lost their strength, their love for one another or their ability to laugh. They have reached an age where they begin to wonder what will happen to their son when they can no longer look after him or are no longer here to do so. This boy will never be able to live alone and his mother is awake nights worrying. I know that this is a problem shared by many and I know that local areas have a lot to do with what is available. I would love to offer some comfort or even just a few uplifting stories. Can anyone help?

[babydawn]

I can't say for what programs your area has, but where I live, they have a program that places disabled people, children and adults, with families that will take care of them. It is what my mother in law does for a living. She gets paid for it, but she is able to devote her time and energy into taking care of these kids. A good friend of mine is involved in the adult program. She has a 20 year old gal living with her. The state offers programs for these kids to be involved in so that they are not just cooped up in the house all day and some other things, I am not sure what. Maybe your area has a program similar. You would have to look into it and see if it is something that your friend would consider. Also, these homes where these people go to live are treated like foster care. They have to meet those standards, they have regular check ups, and home inspections. Just incase your friend might be worried about the kind of enviroment her child may go to.

[annharth]

Thanks, that would be the ideal situation and I know there are some things around here like that. I guess it's the whole worry of not enough places and too many people. I guess an extended family would be the ideal situation. Aunties, uncles, cousins, sharing the responsibility and supporting each other. Seems we all move so far from our families these days.