A man with Down syndrome and advanced dementia is being evicted from his supported living home in Bourne, raising concerns.
His family says the decision is cruel. Ambient Support runs the Bourne home where Michael has lived for twenty-two years. His sister, Rachael Dolby, got the news from the social worker on February fourth, that Michael must leave by March fourth.
Safety is the reason for this eviction since his mobility is limited now, and he needs end-of-life care. Rachael is confused by this, as he has been bed-bound for eighteen months.
Rachael wants to speak for her brother because he cannot speak for himself, and she is very sad about all of this. She is unhappy with how they handled it, considering Michael has advanced dementia now, a diagnosis that was given to him ten years ago. Eighteen months ago, they said he had six months, and now he gets palliative care where he resides.
Rachael is a nurse and his next of kin, yet the care company did not contact her about their plans to evict him. She had discussed patio doors for quick exits. She thinks he is treated poorly, like he is just a name, and considers the action inhumane.
Rachael does not think he understands, but new strangers might still affect him. She praises the current home’s staff who give Michael great care all day, wanting him to stay there. She seeks homes in Stamford for him, where she lives, so it will keep him near.
Ambient Support gave their reason for the eviction that Michael needs more nursing care which raises significant safety concerns. They said he needs professional care that Ambient cannot provide. Being bedbound is also a problem.
They say he can’t move to a wheelchair safely, even in an emergency. A safety assessment said safety during fires is an issue as staff could not evacuate him safely, putting everyone at the home at risk. Staff are sad about how it turned out. Ambient works with family and authorities, they said, wanting a smooth move to a safe place that will provide the needed nursing care.