Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 16 "Unwilling spectator ..."Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
29 total reviews
Comment from Jim Wile
Why does it have to be so rare to find people who actually care versus people who merely profess to care? It's such a shame that the latter is so much more prevalent than the former. It's so unfortunate that most people just work for a paycheck and don't put the kind of effort into it that makes for a quality job and something they could actually be proud of. Taking pride in your work is not a high priority for many people.
People who do this kind of work need to be compassionate, serious people to do it well, and most people just aren't.
I can really picture your frustration as that young nutritionist was trying to tell you how good eggs are for you. Hopefully she will have learned from your dissatisfaction with the situation, and I'm sure your polite explaining of it to her.
It sounds like more bad news is to come. It's such a pity. I hope you can get this book published, Wendy, because Jonathan's story needs to be heard so that things can improve. - Jim
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Why does it have to be so rare to find people who actually care versus people who merely profess to care? It's such a shame that the latter is so much more prevalent than the former. It's so unfortunate that most people just work for a paycheck and don't put the kind of effort into it that makes for a quality job and something they could actually be proud of. Taking pride in your work is not a high priority for many people.
People who do this kind of work need to be compassionate, serious people to do it well, and most people just aren't.
I can really picture your frustration as that young nutritionist was trying to tell you how good eggs are for you. Hopefully she will have learned from your dissatisfaction with the situation, and I'm sure your polite explaining of it to her.
It sounds like more bad news is to come. It's such a pity. I hope you can get this book published, Wendy, because Jonathan's story needs to be heard so that things can improve. - Jim
Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Jim, for your very astute review. Exactly right in all your comments. Many thanks too for the six stars. Greatly valued.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
We have trouble with institutions like this here in the United States. Many times new staff are very excited with their new job, but it doesn't take long for this excitement to wear off. Also, the pay is usually quite low, so competent people are not attracted.
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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We have trouble with institutions like this here in the United States. Many times new staff are very excited with their new job, but it doesn't take long for this excitement to wear off. Also, the pay is usually quite low, so competent people are not attracted.
Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Yes, same here. Vulnerable people suffer for it because they have no voice. The same thing for the aged and those with mental illness. Thanks so much for reviewing, as I always appreciate it.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
The "freedom" to work out the details - meaning "we don't want to deal with this, just make it happen."
Even after Jonathan's care of technically out of your hands, you were still very much a part of every transition/placement. The paperwork you did must have been the size of a mountain when all was said and done.
How little they understood, or CARED to understand. This is what happens when the government fills holes instead of using the most qualified individuals for the job to be done.
Just the beginning? As if this was not a nightmare already! Poor Jonathan. Again, Wendy, he was so lucky to have you.
I almost dread reading what comes next . . .
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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The "freedom" to work out the details - meaning "we don't want to deal with this, just make it happen."
Even after Jonathan's care of technically out of your hands, you were still very much a part of every transition/placement. The paperwork you did must have been the size of a mountain when all was said and done.
How little they understood, or CARED to understand. This is what happens when the government fills holes instead of using the most qualified individuals for the job to be done.
Just the beginning? As if this was not a nightmare already! Poor Jonathan. Again, Wendy, he was so lucky to have you.
I almost dread reading what comes next . . .
xo
Pam
Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Thank you Pam. Your review is very astute and all your remarks are spot on. I greatly appreciate the six stars. And yes, worse to come. Many thanks.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
Sometimes it seems to me, that these so called experts know best,, and yet the prime carer, particularly if they love the one cared for. As far as I'm concerned, most of us have a pretty good idea what to feed our cared for. Beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy
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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Sometimes it seems to me, that these so called experts know best,, and yet the prime carer, particularly if they love the one cared for. As far as I'm concerned, most of us have a pretty good idea what to feed our cared for. Beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy
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Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Thank you Roy. No, the experts do not know what is best in this situation.
Wendy
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You?re right,
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Very well presented and written.
Four in the home. How many staff at a time?
Were you able to go over the staff's head to their supervisors?
Ronald Reagan closed our institutions putting 600,000 people on the streets. He cut off aid forcing everyone to re-apply. Many died before their cases were heard. Yet he's is lauded as the model.
Best wishes.
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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Very well presented and written.
Four in the home. How many staff at a time?
Were you able to go over the staff's head to their supervisors?
Ronald Reagan closed our institutions putting 600,000 people on the streets. He cut off aid forcing everyone to re-apply. Many died before their cases were heard. Yet he's is lauded as the model.
Best wishes.
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Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Always two or sometimes three in the mornings and evenings. One overnight, and one during the day while the clients were doing their Day Program, to do the housework and shopping.
Thanks so much for reviewing.
Wendy
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Seems like it would be more economical to have 6-8 resident patients.
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You are right, but that is not counted as a ?family? unit. They only had ten or twelve when it was said to be an institution.
Comment from karenina
Poor Jonathan! Poor you! In the name of progress the community home he was so safe and well cared for in was dissolved, and with it his joy, well being--reason to live was being disregarded!
You must have been beside yourself with the shameless lack of care...
It have disdain for government bueracracy that allows for such inept employees.
Was he very sad when you brought him back after your once monthly home visits?
This is neglect! And it's going to get worse!
You are opening a lot of eyes, Wendy!
Karenina
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Poor Jonathan! Poor you! In the name of progress the community home he was so safe and well cared for in was dissolved, and with it his joy, well being--reason to live was being disregarded!
You must have been beside yourself with the shameless lack of care...
It have disdain for government bueracracy that allows for such inept employees.
Was he very sad when you brought him back after your once monthly home visits?
This is neglect! And it's going to get worse!
You are opening a lot of eyes, Wendy!
Karenina
Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Hi Karenina, thank you so much for the six stars. Such an honour and encouragement. It was a very difficult time, for sure, and yes, worse is to come. The employees were paid by the disability service, but such work is not well paid. He was sad I am sure, but couldn?t verbalise. Like most things he just had to accept what came his way.
Wendy
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But he knew you, and your live, Wendy...and he knew no matter what, you were his one bright constant star!
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Thank you. Yes, he has always been loved.
Comment from Aussie
The Government and providers can't be trusted. NDIS is under investigation for money being used by the carers for themselves. Even my aged care has given us a kick in the butt. I wanted to see my extended family in Kingaroy, 3 hrs away. I had been on overnight trips before. I was told it was no longer available. I believed this was a democratic country with us in mind. Jonathan has no voice, it seems I don't either. K xx
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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The Government and providers can't be trusted. NDIS is under investigation for money being used by the carers for themselves. Even my aged care has given us a kick in the butt. I wanted to see my extended family in Kingaroy, 3 hrs away. I had been on overnight trips before. I was told it was no longer available. I believed this was a democratic country with us in mind. Jonathan has no voice, it seems I don't either. K xx
Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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That?s unfair you can?t go to see your relatives. It?s not as if you are asking for a world trip! You should be able to use your NDIS package as you wish, within reason. Many thanks for reviewing and for the six stars. I appreciate both.
Wendy
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If I was with NDIS I would be going. I am with Aged Care and thinking of changing providers! K xx PS You can only be with NDIS if you are younger than 65. I'll be 79 this year :-(
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Ah yes, I forgot you would have moved to Aged Care. Sounds like a change of providers might be helpful!
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I've already contacted Centacare. I'll let you know my progress.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I am shocked and appalled by your post Wendy and the total neglect of Jonothan and his needs. Basic needs at that, if he is not fed properly he would soon become undernourished and die! They are in effect killing him! How awful for you after all the care you have given him and then he is handed over the monsters! The more I hear about this, the more I am shocked by the poor treatment of him. Another fine chapter Wendy, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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I am shocked and appalled by your post Wendy and the total neglect of Jonothan and his needs. Basic needs at that, if he is not fed properly he would soon become undernourished and die! They are in effect killing him! How awful for you after all the care you have given him and then he is handed over the monsters! The more I hear about this, the more I am shocked by the poor treatment of him. Another fine chapter Wendy, love Dolly x
Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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Thank you Dolly. What a lovely review, and I greatly value the six stars. This chapter really highlights the lack of understanding, but I am afraid subsequent chapters will show worse.
Wendy
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That's a shame Wendy, poor Jonathan to be treated so badly by neglectful people.
Comment from Begin Again
My heart breaks for you and Jonathan every time I read one of your stories about the care he received outside of your home. I can not fathom why these institutions are set up and people hired, if they are not going to benefit the patients. It is so sad.
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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My heart breaks for you and Jonathan every time I read one of your stories about the care he received outside of your home. I can not fathom why these institutions are set up and people hired, if they are not going to benefit the patients. It is so sad.
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 25-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2024
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The next chapters will surprise you but not in a good way. This chapter was more about lack of understanding, but not deliberate wrong-doing .... Many thanks for reviewing and for the six beautiful stars. Such an encouragement, and greatly valued.
Wendy