Challenges Faced by Young Adults in a Broken Care System
The mother of a 19-year-old Londonderry resident has voiced her frustration towards what she describes as a “broken” care system that fails to adequately support her son and others in similar situations. Eoin Ward, who has been diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, autism, and ADHD, necessitates constant care, yet the services available have fallen short of his needs.
Suzy Ward, Eoin’s mother, has expressed deep concern regarding the suitability of the care options provided by the Western Trust. Despite Eoin being offered a day placement, Ms. Ward believes that the facility is predominantly focused on elderly care, leaving young adults like her son without the appropriate support needed for their unique challenges.
Concerns about Safety and Suitability
In addressing these issues, the Western Trust acknowledged the family’s concerns but stated that individual care plans are created to align with the current services and funding available. The trust, however, chose not to comment on individual cases.
Having spent 30 years as an Emergency Department nurse with the Western Trust, Ms. Ward feels particularly equipped to assess care settings. After conducting a risk assessment of the proposed placement, she concluded that many activities posed potential choking hazards for Eoin. Additionally, the age difference between Eoin and other clients raised concerns about the safety and appropriateness of the setting for her son, especially during times he might exhibit challenging behaviors.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Eoin Ward |
| Age | 19 |
| Conditions | Down’s syndrome, Autism, ADHD |
| Care Needs | 24-hour Care |
| Current Care Setting | Elderly care facility (not suitable) |
Struggles of a Caregiver
Since Eoin’s graduation from Knockavoe in Strabane in June, his mother has been juggling the demands of full-time care with her own well-being. Eoin’s sleep patterns are erratic, with only about two hours per night, leaving Ms. Ward feeling drained and overwhelmed. “It’s really tough,” she remarked, acknowledging the lack of respite that previously existed while Eoin was in school. “Now I can’t even meet a friend for coffee, it’s all-consuming.” This uninterrupted care cycle has significantly affected her mental health.
Call for Systemic Reform
In light of her experience, Ms. Ward is calling for legislative changes that would guarantee a structured support system for young adults with complex needs after they reach the age of 19. She expressed that the care framework is failing these individuals at a pivotal time in their lives and advocates for substantial funding and resources to be allocated towards their assistance.
Notably, Ms. Ward highlighted the existing legislation in England that mandates educational plans for young people with special needs until age 25, a requirement that appears absent in Northern Ireland. The Western Health and Social Care Trust has stated that it acknowledges the transitions that young people with disabilities undergo into adult services and emphasizes the importance of tailored planning by a multidisciplinary team.
Ms. Ward concluded, “I believe we need systemic change to ensure that our young adults receive the support and dignity they deserve.” As families like hers continue to advocate for better care solutions, the challenges they face underscore the urgent need for reform in the care system.
