Adults with Down Syndrom / Autism

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What happens to adults with Down Syndrom / Autism after their parents pass away around the world?
 
If their parents have not already addressed this in their wills by assigning another family member to care for them and they have agreed, hopefully there are enough programs so that these special people can live productively in a group home/setting.
Those with a family member in these situations don’t wait until the last minute to make arrangements. It’s something that is always on their mind.
God bless them in their efforts to do the best for their beloved children.
:signofcross:
 
Both Downs Syndrome and Autism are broad spectrum afflictions with some patients badly affected whilst others can lead fulfilling lives with minimal support.
However those badly affected must rely on loved ones and social assistance from caring charity and governmental agencies.
Their fate after their major carers deaths is on the mind of each and every one of these parents from the day of their birth.
That is why we, as Catholics, should be the first to step forward in whatever role we can play to protect and promote the lives and skills of these people so special in the eyes of our God.
We from children have been taught not to stare, but it is time to stop averting our eyes from a real vocation as respite carers, helpers, money givers to those that do not need our pity but our trust in their value we can easily fail to see clouded in the cataracts of our own prejudices.
 
What happens to adults with Down Syndrom / Autism after their parents pass away around the world?
Funny you should ask. My boy has autism, and he’s only ten, but this question has run through my mind daily since the day he was diagnosed, now six and a half years ago. He is in mainstream classes and is on the high-functioning side of things, but I don’t know if he will be functional enough to live independently. He has deep auditory sensitivities and a very low attention threshold. I guess our options, if he can’t be self-sufficient, are family members (ideally, my sister or my nephew) or a group home.

We need a patron saint. And more good group homes.
 
A great question! Even those who are not fortunate enough to provide for long term care for their survivors can do much in preparation for this eventuality. Children with Down’s sadly do not often face this burden as their lifespan is not as long as those with autism. [medical care is an important factor in this over the life of the child in either case.]

Parents who have little in wealth can make make arrangements with their state Departments of Human Health and Welfare agencies. It is important to make sure the contact information and policies have not changed. High functioning autistic adults that can care for themselves, can and should, receive assistance with a regular visiting social worker. The can handle paperwork on behalf of the survivor and assist with unforeseen issues such as displacements due to property sale or damage, hospitalization and so on.

If a responsible survivor, say a brother or sister can also act as an advocate in conjunction with the state, so much the better. For those with means, Lawyers [remember Rain Man?] can provide valuable services and make decisions for the survivor, and if funding dries up, can collaborate with the state to achieve the same ends.

If the survivor is low functioning and has nothing in the way of a financial trust, then he or she often becomes a ward of the state. At this point what can happen, and the quality of their care depends vastly on the area you live in. Where you retire should factor this in if possible.

Hope this helps.

It is all about planning, research, and staying tuned to changes along the way. Hope this helps.
 
Some adults with downs syndrome are high functioning and can live on their own and work with perhaps someone checking in on them. Some parents pre-arrange for another younger family member to take care of the person when they die. Some adults with downs syndrome live in group living situations. It varies depending on the capabilities of the person.
 
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