Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "How low ..."Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
30 total reviews
Comment from karenina
I have to conclude the thief (or thieves)
that steal from the disabled and (routinely) from memory impaired nursing home residents are not at all interested in "human services"--they take these jobs as an opportunity to enrich themselves.
Thirty plus years as an RN in Alzheimer's facilities and I dealt with this over and over...
Of course I terminated the perpetrators, but the police or family members were not interested in prosecuting.
I'm sure many of them simply moved on to another facility and the pattern continued.
As a supervisor or director I ALWAYS replaced the missing items, or paid for them...
Not many " facilities " do.
Once again your devotion to Jonathan is evident and admirable.
My heart aches because he must have noticed and missed hit chair, clothes, etc and was unable to tell anyone.
One day these people will be judged!
Karenina
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I have to conclude the thief (or thieves)
that steal from the disabled and (routinely) from memory impaired nursing home residents are not at all interested in "human services"--they take these jobs as an opportunity to enrich themselves.
Thirty plus years as an RN in Alzheimer's facilities and I dealt with this over and over...
Of course I terminated the perpetrators, but the police or family members were not interested in prosecuting.
I'm sure many of them simply moved on to another facility and the pattern continued.
As a supervisor or director I ALWAYS replaced the missing items, or paid for them...
Not many " facilities " do.
Once again your devotion to Jonathan is evident and admirable.
My heart aches because he must have noticed and missed hit chair, clothes, etc and was unable to tell anyone.
One day these people will be judged!
Karenina
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I think you are right - these "low-life" people just move on and find other victims. It is a sad commentary on humanity. Thanks so much for your very understanding review, based on your own experiences. Very insightful. And a belated thank you for replacing their property - shows your kindness and your integrity!
Wendy
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No matter how many "screens" we do, most of these people have stuck to petty theft, avoiding a police record, and as an employer, I was constrained by law when other facilities called Forbes "recommendation" -- I could not report their theft... The most I could say is they were terminated for "violation of rules--and I would not rehire. How frustrating!
Comment from kahpot
For Jonathon's wellbeing, I am glad to read that you are not yet willing to step out of his life, but I hope that woman that took all his belongings is in trouble as that is despicable, I was very happy when I started reading this story, but not so much when I finished, very well written****kahpot
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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For Jonathon's wellbeing, I am glad to read that you are not yet willing to step out of his life, but I hope that woman that took all his belongings is in trouble as that is despicable, I was very happy when I started reading this story, but not so much when I finished, very well written****kahpot
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you Kahpot. yes, I understand ... the story had a good beginning, but a bad ending. That's life sometimes.
Wendy
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
This must have all been very disturbing for Jonathon, as loss and disappearance of things one likes are traumatic. We are all so attached to material goods, for the better or the worse. This account of this phase of Jonathan's life is particularly clearly written.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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This must have all been very disturbing for Jonathon, as loss and disappearance of things one likes are traumatic. We are all so attached to material goods, for the better or the worse. This account of this phase of Jonathan's life is particularly clearly written.
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you for your review. He was probably not aware - after all he was used to just having to wear what others chose for him, and he could not see well enough to know his chair was gone. So it was more that I was upset at people's dishonesty and taking advantage of him.
Wendy
Comment from jmdg1954
My mother-in-law lived with us for 13 years before we had to admit her to an assisted living facility. We could no longer provide the care she needed at 94. We came across similar situations with clothes being missing, stuffed animals for her bed not found, sneakers, etc etc... we were incensed at this thievery and how the workers came across so sweet and innocent.
Very well written chapter Wendy.
Can I ask a question? Tell me to clam up if I'm out of line.
With each posted chapter, how come the picture accompanying the post is not one of Jonathan? I would love to see him in action and with s big smile.
Tell me to pipe down if you need to. No problem.
John
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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My mother-in-law lived with us for 13 years before we had to admit her to an assisted living facility. We could no longer provide the care she needed at 94. We came across similar situations with clothes being missing, stuffed animals for her bed not found, sneakers, etc etc... we were incensed at this thievery and how the workers came across so sweet and innocent.
Very well written chapter Wendy.
Can I ask a question? Tell me to clam up if I'm out of line.
With each posted chapter, how come the picture accompanying the post is not one of Jonathan? I would love to see him in action and with s big smile.
Tell me to pipe down if you need to. No problem.
John
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Hi John, thank you for a lovely review and for your question. Back in Chapter 7 there is a photo of him when he was eleven years old, with the family. The reason I haven't put a recent one of him will be explained in a couple of chapters. I will try and find a good one of him. You are right, there is a lot of theft from vulnerable people, and it is a very low act.
Many thanks for reviewing. Always greatly appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
Jonathan's situation is very sad, but these situations are not uncommon. There is a special place for people who take advantage of disabled individuals. I think you know where I'm talking about.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Jonathan's situation is very sad, but these situations are not uncommon. There is a special place for people who take advantage of disabled individuals. I think you know where I'm talking about.
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Yes, I do ... and no, unfortunately it is not as uncommon as it should be. Any vulnerable person can be an easy victim, particularly the disabled, and the elderly with memory problems. Thanks so much for reviewing. Hope things are going okay for you both.
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Oh my goodness, this is shocking Wendy, the staff were stealing from Jonathan and even suggested a convenient little bank account to also steal his money too! These vulnerable people are taken advantage of by staff members with no moral fibre. It is disgusting Wendy and no wonder you would not let go and continued to keep an eye on him. Another fine chapter revealing the horrors in these institutions, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Oh my goodness, this is shocking Wendy, the staff were stealing from Jonathan and even suggested a convenient little bank account to also steal his money too! These vulnerable people are taken advantage of by staff members with no moral fibre. It is disgusting Wendy and no wonder you would not let go and continued to keep an eye on him. Another fine chapter revealing the horrors in these institutions, love Dolly x
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Dolly. I was shocked, particularly about the bank account - I couldn't believe she would have the gall! But now I am aware that such thefts are not that uncommon for vulnerable people such as the disabled or the elderly with memory loss. It is appalling.
Wendy
Comment from Julie Helms
Excellent storytelling. Unfortunately I think what was occurring in his group home is not uncommon. I hear many complaints about nursing homes for the elderly with memory issues. Theft seems to be common. I also know that it is worse for people who are rarely visited. So it is good that you were constantly in his life. Thanks so much for sharing! Julie.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Excellent storytelling. Unfortunately I think what was occurring in his group home is not uncommon. I hear many complaints about nursing homes for the elderly with memory issues. Theft seems to be common. I also know that it is worse for people who are rarely visited. So it is good that you were constantly in his life. Thanks so much for sharing! Julie.
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you Julie for your undertanding review, and unfortunately I know you are right. The vulnerable ones are easy victims. And yes, they all desperately need an advocate. Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from Spitfire
What terrible people to take advantage of someone as disabled as Jonathan. I suspect this sort of thing happens in a Memory Care Unit too. The young man is lucky that you still stay in his life.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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What terrible people to take advantage of someone as disabled as Jonathan. I suspect this sort of thing happens in a Memory Care Unit too. The young man is lucky that you still stay in his life.
Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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You are right - I think such theft happens more often than we know - for all vulnerable people, including seniors with dementia or memory loss. So sad, and so wrong. Thank you for reviewing. Greatly appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Nicely written.
and Jonathan's clothes fitted them well. - In the U.S. we would simply say ...fit them well.
We fervently despise thieves, especially sneaky ones.
Best wishes.
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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Nicely written.
and Jonathan's clothes fitted them well. - In the U.S. we would simply say ...fit them well.
We fervently despise thieves, especially sneaky ones.
Best wishes.
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Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Thank you Wayne - a lovely review. We Aussies tend to follow the British spelling, so I'll leave it as it is, and hope people are okay with it. Yes, sneaky thieves are pretty low to take advantage of disabled people, and it happens with the elderly as well, particularly if they have dementia.
Wendy
Comment from Barry Penfold
Yes, it is surprising what goes on behind closed doors. A well put together story, revealing the dishonesty of some of those in charge. I personally can never understand that type of behavior.
Anyway, I hope Jonathan is going well now and you are able to be still part of his life.
Well done Wendy.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Yes, it is surprising what goes on behind closed doors. A well put together story, revealing the dishonesty of some of those in charge. I personally can never understand that type of behavior.
Anyway, I hope Jonathan is going well now and you are able to be still part of his life.
Well done Wendy.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
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Comment Written 26-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 26-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much for reviewing. Yes, it is pretty low behaviour. Some also steal from elderly people with dementia. It's appalling.
Wendy