Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "How low ..."Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
30 total reviews
Comment from Sarah Tummey
I'm so sorry this person was allowed to work with Jonathan. I think they should have got rid of her a lot sooner, as it sounds like she was trying to extract money from the start. Poor Jonathan - having all those things taken from him and being unable to say anything.
One part of this chapter I absolutely loved? The part where you said you bought Jonathan things your son Joe would have chosen for himself. I don't get to clothes-shop with my sister often, as she lives in London, but once when we went shopping together, she said she wouldn't recommend anything to me that she wouldn't wear. Not being able to see what others look like, it really gave me a lot of confidence knowing I looked as good as a woman with sight would.
Hope you don't mind the long review!
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2024
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I'm so sorry this person was allowed to work with Jonathan. I think they should have got rid of her a lot sooner, as it sounds like she was trying to extract money from the start. Poor Jonathan - having all those things taken from him and being unable to say anything.
One part of this chapter I absolutely loved? The part where you said you bought Jonathan things your son Joe would have chosen for himself. I don't get to clothes-shop with my sister often, as she lives in London, but once when we went shopping together, she said she wouldn't recommend anything to me that she wouldn't wear. Not being able to see what others look like, it really gave me a lot of confidence knowing I looked as good as a woman with sight would.
Hope you don't mind the long review!
Comment Written 16-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2024
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Thank you very much for reviewing, Sarah. Greatly appreciated, especially as it had expired. I loved the long review as it shows your interest! It?s always good to hear from you.
Thanks so much.
Wendy
Comment from Father Flaps
Wow! This is unbelievable, Wendy. What would happen if you didn't check up on Jonathan regularly? If it was me, I would have carried his chair out of her house, and taken his clothes as well. She was nothing more than a thief!
Thankfully, my father was able to go to Ridgewood, a home for vets right here on the west side of Saint John. He passed away on New Years Eve of 2019 at 95 years of age. He didn't know me at all, but he had his own bedroom, and it was a locked area. So he could venture around a bit... the dining hall, TV and exercise room. And there were a couple of nurses on duty, day & night. He was safe during his senile years (which weren't too many really). But Jonathan was an easy target.
There is going to be a need for many home care workers in the very near future. The "Baby Boomers" are getting old. I was born in 1950, so I'll be 74 years old this October. There are many more like me. In just ten years, Baby Boomers will be 84 to 89 years old. We can't be running back and forth to the hospital, so there will have to be home care workers and VONs (Victorian Order of Nurses) to keep us happy and content in our homes (hopefully).
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2024
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Wow! This is unbelievable, Wendy. What would happen if you didn't check up on Jonathan regularly? If it was me, I would have carried his chair out of her house, and taken his clothes as well. She was nothing more than a thief!
Thankfully, my father was able to go to Ridgewood, a home for vets right here on the west side of Saint John. He passed away on New Years Eve of 2019 at 95 years of age. He didn't know me at all, but he had his own bedroom, and it was a locked area. So he could venture around a bit... the dining hall, TV and exercise room. And there were a couple of nurses on duty, day & night. He was safe during his senile years (which weren't too many really). But Jonathan was an easy target.
There is going to be a need for many home care workers in the very near future. The "Baby Boomers" are getting old. I was born in 1950, so I'll be 74 years old this October. There are many more like me. In just ten years, Baby Boomers will be 84 to 89 years old. We can't be running back and forth to the hospital, so there will have to be home care workers and VONs (Victorian Order of Nurses) to keep us happy and content in our homes (hopefully).
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 01-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2024
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Yes, you are right! We older ones (I'm a year behind you) will need care and assistance sooner or later, and we will all be vulnerable, especially if we have memory loss. Thank youfor your insightful and thoughtful review.
Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
All this makes me really angry. I can't believe how people can justify stealing just because their clients are vulnerable and can't speak out for themselves. The same thing happens to the elderly in nursing home here. I've bought expensive gifts of robe an throws to have them disappear in just one week. I wonder if people can find away to justify taking the absolves them of being thieves.
reply by the author on 29-Feb-2024
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All this makes me really angry. I can't believe how people can justify stealing just because their clients are vulnerable and can't speak out for themselves. The same thing happens to the elderly in nursing home here. I've bought expensive gifts of robe an throws to have them disappear in just one week. I wonder if people can find away to justify taking the absolves them of being thieves.
Comment Written 29-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 29-Feb-2024
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Personally I don't think anything justifies theft from vulnerable people, and the thieves deserve punishment. Yes, it does happen to elderly people here too, particularly those with memory loss. It's hard to track the perpetrators sometimes. Thank you for your understanding review.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
Just unbelievable how dishonest some people are. How frustrating that must have been for you and Jonathan. I'm certainly glad you realized about that bank scam and were able to nip that one in the bud. That woman should have been arrested for all the things she took.
Makes you lose a little faith in mankind when that continually happens, and it sounds like she wasn't the only dishonest person. So unfortunate, Wendy.
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Just unbelievable how dishonest some people are. How frustrating that must have been for you and Jonathan. I'm certainly glad you realized about that bank scam and were able to nip that one in the bud. That woman should have been arrested for all the things she took.
Makes you lose a little faith in mankind when that continually happens, and it sounds like she wasn't the only dishonest person. So unfortunate, Wendy.
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Jim. Great review. Yes I have become both more cynical and more watchful these days.
Wendy
Comment from Brett Matthew West
What happens behind closed doors can be something that should not be occurring and a person wants it to remain unknown about.
High staff turnover ratios can indeed keep a business, or an office, in unnecessary turmoil.
No kidding "alarm bells" should have rung very loudly over the woman suggesting you set up a bank account for Jonathan. Red flags all over that request.
That woman thief should have been prosecuted as well as terminated. Certainly must have had a history of stealing from others as well. Unfortunately, in situations like this one employees are more times than not those unable to obtain work elsewhere, generally for certain reasons.
All of his stolen property should have been replaced by the Group Home. Their failure to have done so indicates perhaps they may be a little shady too.
In your your notes area "again A?AC?A?A" is an easy edit to correct. Most of the time these are caught with proofreading writing prior to posting.
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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What happens behind closed doors can be something that should not be occurring and a person wants it to remain unknown about.
High staff turnover ratios can indeed keep a business, or an office, in unnecessary turmoil.
No kidding "alarm bells" should have rung very loudly over the woman suggesting you set up a bank account for Jonathan. Red flags all over that request.
That woman thief should have been prosecuted as well as terminated. Certainly must have had a history of stealing from others as well. Unfortunately, in situations like this one employees are more times than not those unable to obtain work elsewhere, generally for certain reasons.
All of his stolen property should have been replaced by the Group Home. Their failure to have done so indicates perhaps they may be a little shady too.
In your your notes area "again A?AC?A?A" is an easy edit to correct. Most of the time these are caught with proofreading writing prior to posting.
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Thanks for picking up those gremlins. I proof-read the article several times, but added the notes later. Careless of me. I appreciate your astute review, and I thank you very much for your time and thoughts.
Wendy
Comment from Julie Lau
Oh Wendy, this story fills me with horror, and the sad thing is that I know these things go on so much, and it is so, so low. But aren't some people amazing? I worked on an off-shore oil rig for a while and the very-well-paid labourers constantly stole the towels (small, cheap and oil-smelling), etc., and broke into the geologists' store and stole the containers and things we needed for sampling. Just couldn't help themselves. Once I asked a kitchen guy for any lasagne scraps for my cat. When I unwrapped the package at home I found I was the recipient of several top quality steaks. Hence the wink when I was given it. So I too became a receiver of stolen property.
All the best, Julie
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Oh Wendy, this story fills me with horror, and the sad thing is that I know these things go on so much, and it is so, so low. But aren't some people amazing? I worked on an off-shore oil rig for a while and the very-well-paid labourers constantly stole the towels (small, cheap and oil-smelling), etc., and broke into the geologists' store and stole the containers and things we needed for sampling. Just couldn't help themselves. Once I asked a kitchen guy for any lasagne scraps for my cat. When I unwrapped the package at home I found I was the recipient of several top quality steaks. Hence the wink when I was given it. So I too became a receiver of stolen property.
All the best, Julie
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Lol. But you didn?t ask for it or steal it yourself. Yes, unfortunately, it is all too common. Thank you so much for reviewing. I am encouraged by your support.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
THIS IS INFURIATING!! How do these people SLEEP, I wonder?!! Sheesh! It's workers like her who give all people in that profession a bad name. I don't know how prevalent it is, but it takes just one to make it cast a pall over the entire group.
I'm so sorry this happened to you and Jonathan. As I said: infuriating!!
Also, I was here cheering so loud when you refused to let Jonathan have a feeding tube. To deny him such an important daily joy of his, I would think, would not even enter the mindset of "caregivers" --"professional" ones, even. This is their JOB, and they don't understand how important it is to his quality of life? You must have spent so many hours of your day angry and frustrated. Yet, you channeled it into "How Can I Use This to Make Progress in Jonathan's Experience Here?" You teach me so much with every new chapter.
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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THIS IS INFURIATING!! How do these people SLEEP, I wonder?!! Sheesh! It's workers like her who give all people in that profession a bad name. I don't know how prevalent it is, but it takes just one to make it cast a pall over the entire group.
I'm so sorry this happened to you and Jonathan. As I said: infuriating!!
Also, I was here cheering so loud when you refused to let Jonathan have a feeding tube. To deny him such an important daily joy of his, I would think, would not even enter the mindset of "caregivers" --"professional" ones, even. This is their JOB, and they don't understand how important it is to his quality of life? You must have spent so many hours of your day angry and frustrated. Yet, you channeled it into "How Can I Use This to Make Progress in Jonathan's Experience Here?" You teach me so much with every new chapter.
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Thank you Rachelle for your very supportive review. Unfortunately I think it is not an uncommon practice and it happens to elderly people as well. I greatly appreciate your encouragement as I write these chapters. I am also greatly thrilled to receive six stars. Very special. Wendy
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Yes, in this country, too. My MIL is in an Assisted Living facility, with Dementia, and once told us that the bruising she acquired on her face came from one of the aides, who slapped her. The aide insisted my MIL fell. Both are ostensible.
So I feel your pain and indignation.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
They wanted to tube feed him, when he so enjoys eating and flavors. Terrible.
I wonder if the group home, or the state, could have pressed charges against the thief disguised as a caregiver. These people are reprehensible.
Well, you did say things could get worse. Thanks for the share, Wendy.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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They wanted to tube feed him, when he so enjoys eating and flavors. Terrible.
I wonder if the group home, or the state, could have pressed charges against the thief disguised as a caregiver. These people are reprehensible.
Well, you did say things could get worse. Thanks for the share, Wendy.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Pam! I value, and am encouraged by, your caring words.
Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
I'm appalled at the theft and mistreatment. Unbelievable. I understand that it may be hard to find qualified individuals to work with challenged individuals, but doesn't the government check them out to make sure that the people they are hiring shouldn't instead be in jail? There needs to be a change in the management of those homes that documents the residents belongings, including any recent gifts given to them, with a regular accounting to make sure that they are still there. How very disappointing to know that people will stoop to absolutely any level. I hate to think that stealing isn't the worse thing that happens to these folks. I don't doubt that sexual predators would find such a place a haven for easy pickings. I'm so glad that you were watching out for him, as much as possible. I'm sure you were upset and frustrated. Thanks for sharing this gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Hello Wendy,
I'm appalled at the theft and mistreatment. Unbelievable. I understand that it may be hard to find qualified individuals to work with challenged individuals, but doesn't the government check them out to make sure that the people they are hiring shouldn't instead be in jail? There needs to be a change in the management of those homes that documents the residents belongings, including any recent gifts given to them, with a regular accounting to make sure that they are still there. How very disappointing to know that people will stoop to absolutely any level. I hate to think that stealing isn't the worse thing that happens to these folks. I don't doubt that sexual predators would find such a place a haven for easy pickings. I'm so glad that you were watching out for him, as much as possible. I'm sure you were upset and frustrated. Thanks for sharing this gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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Thank you so very much, Tom, for this amazing review. So very understanding and full of support. Yes, I was upset and frustrated. It was the Disability Service who did all the hiring, and they needed workers, so I guess had to take who they got - but I am sure they would have asked for references. I put name tags on his clothing, but they would have cut them off, and labels on his CDs etc, but once they were gone the labels could easily be removed. One would have thought such documentation would be done, but it wasn't or not consistently. Sometimes he came home for the weekend wearing clothes with someone else's name tag. They hadn't sorted them properly into the correct wardrobes after doing the laundry - and that shouldn't have been too hard. Theft was just one of the many things .... Thank you again.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
The theft of Jonathon's things is just unbelievable! But I guess, it shouldn't surprise us, knowing that people are fallen and they thought they could get away with things since Jonathon and his housemates could not speak up for themselves. Perhaps Jonathon did not really notice or care. I'm so glad you noticed and spoke up!
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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The theft of Jonathon's things is just unbelievable! But I guess, it shouldn't surprise us, knowing that people are fallen and they thought they could get away with things since Jonathon and his housemates could not speak up for themselves. Perhaps Jonathon did not really notice or care. I'm so glad you noticed and spoke up!
Comment Written 28-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2024
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You are right - he would not notice or care, as he could not see very well, and "things" did not matter for him, but I found it appalling that people should still from the vulnerable. I know it happensa lot, to seniors in aged care as well. Very sad. Thanks so much for reviewing.
Wendy