Something New, Something Blue, Something Borrowed

We have talked potty talk a lot on this blog - from toilet training woes to Medicaid paperwork nightmares. It looks like we may have some relief by next week. Okay, I will stop. But it is making me laugh.

Long story short, we have been borrowing a Rifton Blue Wave Toilet for Ben from the NC Assistive Technology Program since last November. They have been more than flexible with letting us keep the toilet over our allotted time. Last week, I received an email asking us to return the toilet. I knew that all my favors had been called in, my husband had done his diplomatic best and it was time to bring it back.

On the exact same day, Ben's new OT, told us that one of the families she works for has a brand new Blue Wave Toilet in their garage, unused. They got it for their son, but it was not what they needed.

Hopefully by the time you read this, Ben will have his very own toilet. Thank goodness for the kindness of others to provide for the small comforts in life.

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Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

"Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: From Group Home Placement to Discharge

Last August, we moved Ben into an alternative family living (AFL) placement, about 90 minutes from our home in Charlotte. It was a three-bedroom house and Ben was given the largest bedroom with its own bathroom. A typical AFL in North Carolina operates like this: a person with disabilities, the client, moves in with another family, couple or an individual. The client lives in the family’s home and the family receives payment in return for housing, feeding and caring for the client. Ben’s AFL was unusual: A couple with extensive caregiving experience wanted to run a three-bed group home but needed to apply for the license through the state. They were willing to take Ben as the first resident in a house, separate from the one they lived in. The plan, according to the couple, was to get approval for the group home within a couple of months. We ordered Ben a double bed, headboard, 54-inch television, new sheets, towels and blankets. Friends helped us move him in....

Ben is thriving in his group home in Charlotte. I wrote about what he's been up to in this story in Southpark Magazine: Givers: All together Happy Holidays! Photo Credit Grant Baldwin Photography

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