I was attending a review for my husband, who has recently moved into a residential care home. The home is owned and run by the care group that have managed my eldest son's care and support for six years (since he was 18).
During the meeting, which went well, one of the managers mentioned that my son was one of the care group's 'success stories', because he had moved out of residential accommodation, now has his own tenancy for a supported flat, (owned and supported by the care group), and goes off to work.
I agreed, but on reflection, I do not really consider my son's progression so far to be entirely successful. He does manage his flat, but I help out with bills and he needs support to keep it tidy. He never completed education, and his 'work' is two hours of voluntary work a week, which he does on a 'now and again' basis. The rest of the time he stays in his flat and watches You Tube.
When he went into residential care, we all agreed that it would be better for him because it was unlikely that he would achieve the goals of independent living, making friends and gaining employment, without a lot of support. Yet, six years later, and after three years in residential care and nearly three years in supported living, he still has not achieved these things.
Perhaps I am just feeling bitter and frustrated at the moment, but I want to see my family members thrive and engage in life, find some paid employment, have a friend or two and that sort of success seems to be so elusive.
Anyway, the rant is over.