It’s been pretty much exactly two weeks since Jude moved into his adult services house.
A lot has happened – and a lot continues to happen.
We’re about to embark on the financial assessment to see what Jude can contribute towards his own care. Something that I find a little uncouth, and that I’m sure the local authority (LA) will handle with the delicacy of a herd of rhinos.
The first few days post-moving in were fine. But we’ve hit a little bit of a challenging time.
I guess this has to be expected. It’s bound to be a little turbulent as the carers work out how best to support Jude, and how to navigate his little ‘quirks’. And similarly Jude learns about his new household. He likes to push boundaries to begin with and see if there are any ‘weak’ links in the household. So it’s important all carers maintain the same consistency of rules – continue cracking the silly jokes, etc.
My mind is still blown at the complexity of moving into adult services.
And that no-one really tells you want you need to do with any warning. Everything seems to be reactive. It’s like all of a sudden we have to apply for this or that, and it was all needed last week.
Applying for benefits is another confusion. And no government department seems to communicate, or have any clue what the next is doing.
How Jude accesses his money. Who orders what. How Jude’s shopping is done. How many bedsheets he needs…toiletries, outings, tenancy agreements, etc. it’s all constantly swirling in my brain.
I have to remember that not everyone has Jude’s best interest at heart. And that’s why I need to stay strong in what I want for my darling boy, and what he needs to have the best life possible.
Over the next week, I will try and write an ‘idiots guide’ type list of things parents of SEN children will need to look out for. With links, etc. that may not be relevant if you aren’t in Hertfordshire but will hopefully be somewhat of a guideline. I’m sure that list will be added to over the next month or so but it can be a work in progress! Please let me know if I miss anything off 🙂
Much love, Alice
