Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 16 "Unwilling spectator ..."Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
29 total reviews
Comment from Sarah Tummey
It sounds like they should have chosen you as a houseparent! Must have been so frustrating. This chapter definitely makes me sympathise with you and wonder what will happen next.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2024
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It sounds like they should have chosen you as a houseparent! Must have been so frustrating. This chapter definitely makes me sympathise with you and wonder what will happen next.
Comment Written 16-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2024
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Thank you again Sarah. By this time I was back into teaching full time. My back wasn?t good enough to keep looking after him as he grew heavier. Good to see you still enjoying these stories.
Wendy
Comment from Brett Matthew West
The first paragraph sounds just like the government, make a ruling with no method to implement the policy. Oh, but that sure looks and sounds good to the voting public. Doesn't it?
"set up alternative accommodations or staffing situations." That is the government. Tell you what the policy is but provide no assistance in meeting their required plan.
So true, "everything always sounds good in theory." But, seldom, if ever, is.
Understaffed Group Homes. Nothing new.
The caregivers obviously more excited to have "a regular pay-packet" than perform their employment properly.
Probably way too much upheaval in his life to eat.
The know-nothing dietician thought she had all the answers. What she needed was an attitude adjustment.
The "over-burdened" staff obviously had no intentions of doing any more than required then run off for greener pastures when they thought they appeared.
One can not typically trust most of anything people say, at least not until they see the facts for themselves.
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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The first paragraph sounds just like the government, make a ruling with no method to implement the policy. Oh, but that sure looks and sounds good to the voting public. Doesn't it?
"set up alternative accommodations or staffing situations." That is the government. Tell you what the policy is but provide no assistance in meeting their required plan.
So true, "everything always sounds good in theory." But, seldom, if ever, is.
Understaffed Group Homes. Nothing new.
The caregivers obviously more excited to have "a regular pay-packet" than perform their employment properly.
Probably way too much upheaval in his life to eat.
The know-nothing dietician thought she had all the answers. What she needed was an attitude adjustment.
The "over-burdened" staff obviously had no intentions of doing any more than required then run off for greener pastures when they thought they appeared.
One can not typically trust most of anything people say, at least not until they see the facts for themselves.
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Thanks so much, Brett. Exactly right in all your comments.
I have become very cynical, especially a bit later.
Wendy
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Wendy,
Sounds to me like these group homes were trying to get away with the least amount of input. Whatever was easiest is the way it would be. If Jonathan didn't eat what was prepared, he'd go hungry. It was his fault, not theirs. But he must have lost weight during this period.
In every business, there are good workers who earn their pay no matter what. They are dedicated. They go beyond what is expected of them. Bottom line, they don't just work for a paycheck!
On the flip side of that coin are the workers who do as little as they can. They treat their job like a surfer on an ocean wave. They take no pride or fulfillment in their employment. They're leeches! And what's worse, the government doesn't give a hoot. Their goal is to save money. Sad!
Nicely penned! Keep us up-to-date on Jonathan and these group homes, Wendy.
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Hi Wendy,
Sounds to me like these group homes were trying to get away with the least amount of input. Whatever was easiest is the way it would be. If Jonathan didn't eat what was prepared, he'd go hungry. It was his fault, not theirs. But he must have lost weight during this period.
In every business, there are good workers who earn their pay no matter what. They are dedicated. They go beyond what is expected of them. Bottom line, they don't just work for a paycheck!
On the flip side of that coin are the workers who do as little as they can. They treat their job like a surfer on an ocean wave. They take no pride or fulfillment in their employment. They're leeches! And what's worse, the government doesn't give a hoot. Their goal is to save money. Sad!
Nicely penned! Keep us up-to-date on Jonathan and these group homes, Wendy.
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Yes, he lost weight. You are exactly right in all your comments. Thankfully, there were some very good and caring staff as well.
Thank you for reviewing, and for your support.
Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
I think I read two posts out of order, but no matter, staff could not be trusted. You tried to be involved as much as humanly possible, but still had to rely on staff doing the right things and being truthful about what they did. It was a great idea to have the staff eat separately, and devote their time to the client's meals. Both you AND Jonathan had a difficult time getting him settled.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I think I read two posts out of order, but no matter, staff could not be trusted. You tried to be involved as much as humanly possible, but still had to rely on staff doing the right things and being truthful about what they did. It was a great idea to have the staff eat separately, and devote their time to the client's meals. Both you AND Jonathan had a difficult time getting him settled.
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Yes, that?s a good summary - some of the staff could not be trusted and took advantage of the system. Thank you for your understanding and supportive review.
Wendy
Comment from Spitfire
Not surprising. Institutions pay low pages and thus the staff is not the best--probably drop-outs. My friend Jonathan works as activity director in an assisted living community. When he has to go over to the memory care section he sees the staff ignoring the residents and instead spend time with other staff --laughing and trading boyfriend stories. They don't do the laundry so he does it. Management doesn't like it if you complain. It's too hard to find replacements for jobs that pay so little and has no benefits.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Not surprising. Institutions pay low pages and thus the staff is not the best--probably drop-outs. My friend Jonathan works as activity director in an assisted living community. When he has to go over to the memory care section he sees the staff ignoring the residents and instead spend time with other staff --laughing and trading boyfriend stories. They don't do the laundry so he does it. Management doesn't like it if you complain. It's too hard to find replacements for jobs that pay so little and has no benefits.
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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You are spot on in your comments. That is such a shame to see. Many workers are like that. Fortunately there are some good ones as well who really care ...
Many thanks for your understanding review.
Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
I wonder if things are like that in this country as well. I can imagine how frustrated you much have been to have this happening to some you cared about. I'll the staff didn't like it when you came around trying to make sure he got the dare he needed.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I wonder if things are like that in this country as well. I can imagine how frustrated you much have been to have this happening to some you cared about. I'll the staff didn't like it when you came around trying to make sure he got the dare he needed.
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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From other reviewers, I think it is a world-wide thing, that people steal from vulnerable people, not only the disabled, but seniors with dementia. It's sad and it's wrong. The majority of the hands-on care staff were fine, and I guess they knew to try and do the right thing for Jonathan because they never knew when I might pop in for a visit. Thank you very much for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
I'm sorry that Jonathon was treated so poorly by the new staff. It doesn't seem right that they ate what they liked and completely disregarded your instructions! Hope you found some other way to make sure he got good foods that he could eat.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I'm sorry that Jonathon was treated so poorly by the new staff. It doesn't seem right that they ate what they liked and completely disregarded your instructions! Hope you found some other way to make sure he got good foods that he could eat.
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you so much for reviewing. It became very apparent they everything had to be done their way, and any input from me was disregarded. Not an easy life for him, but at least he always enjoyed his Day Program.
Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
I feel in my heart for you and The care that you had for Jonathan and to not see him getting that kind of care has to hurt you personally. I enjoyed you telling us the story of Jonathan and the struggles that are going on in his life. Have a good day and may God bless you. Patricia .
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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I feel in my heart for you and The care that you had for Jonathan and to not see him getting that kind of care has to hurt you personally. I enjoyed you telling us the story of Jonathan and the struggles that are going on in his life. Have a good day and may God bless you. Patricia .
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Patricia for another lovely review. I always appreciate your ongoing support.
Wendy
Comment from jmdg1954
Governments sure have a knack for getting in the way of a good thing, don't they?
Then you have yo start all over once again. Besides you and your family suffering through these ordeals, Jonathan suffered even more.
I wonder how many times you blew your fuse with the house staff? If you could've taken him back into your own custody I'm sure you would have.
Overall, a well written chapter where I saw no errors.
Cheers,
John
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Governments sure have a knack for getting in the way of a good thing, don't they?
Then you have yo start all over once again. Besides you and your family suffering through these ordeals, Jonathan suffered even more.
I wonder how many times you blew your fuse with the house staff? If you could've taken him back into your own custody I'm sure you would have.
Overall, a well written chapter where I saw no errors.
Cheers,
John
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Yes, government makes policies they think are wise and good, but the implementation is often problematic. Fortunately I never lost my cool with the house staff, but I explained things over and over. Very frustrating, but I felt it best to keep on their good side. Thank you very much for reviewing, John. I always appreciate it.
Wendy
Comment from Annmuma
Another outstanding chapter with a glimpse -- maybe more than a glimpse-- into the trials of dealing with the state and those who have no real insight into the individual needs of the persons depending upon them. Good writing. ann
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Another outstanding chapter with a glimpse -- maybe more than a glimpse-- into the trials of dealing with the state and those who have no real insight into the individual needs of the persons depending upon them. Good writing. ann
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Thank you Ann. You are exactly right. The government makes the policies which in theory look good, but don't always work out well in practice. Thank you very much for your ongoing support and a lovely review with six stars. They mean a lot.
Wendy
