A Bonding Experience

Last May, Ben cracked his front adult tooth on the school playground. After a visit to the dentist, we knew about our options and decided to wait and see. We did not see a reason to rush into a decision.

Today, Ben had this front tooth bonded. The new one matches his other teeth in color, texture and shape. Unless you look very closely, you would never guess it had ever been broken.

BEFORE

We were informed that for the life of this tooth, Ben must avoid hard foods - like biting into an apple or carrot or eating a hard granola bar. We will just wait and see how long this one lasts.

DURING

When we were leaving in the morning, Sean asked why I was taking Ben to the dentist since we had our regular checkup a few weeks ago. I told him that Ben was getting his front tooth fixed. Sean's eyes lit up, "Will they pull this one out and put in a silver tooth?" He was disappointed in my answer. And when I picked everyone up for early dismissal because of the snow, the brothers were unimpressed. The broken one was much cooler.

AFTER

Oh well, can't please everyone. Hoping grandparents think the new one is way cooler.

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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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