No Day Service for Adults with Disabilities

Due to Covid-19, since March 2020 there has been no Day Service for Adults with Disabilities to attend, or there has been a significant reduction in their service.

Re-opening of Countries

As countries reopen and people are getting back to work, adults with disabilities are being left in the dark. There is no clear date of when Day Services for Adults with Disabilities will resume.

Gyms are reopening with limited numbers and extra safety measures. Restaurants which were open for takeaway are now opening their doors for customers. Sporting events are taking place with reduced numbers and social distancing.

We are planning for children returning to school for full days of classes with new safety measures and social distancing but there is nothing in place for adults with disabilities.

The guidelines published in relation to the reopening of Adult Day Services are vague and offer no reassurance. The rules for social distancing are stringent which in return is drastically reducing capacity. Adults with disabilities and their families are struggling.

Confusing and Emotional time for Adults with Disabilities

It has been a confusing and emotional time for Adults with disabilities. They are missing their friends, their routines, and their support workers. Many are regressing, becoming withdrawn, having increased challenging or aggressive behaviour and feel lost.

For parents and families to witness this and see it continue despite their best efforts to help their loved one is very upsetting. The closure or limited availability for day services is having a negative effect on the careers on top of the stresses they already have while caring for their loved one.

Delays

Buildings may have to be upgraded, staff may have to be redeployed and in some cases new staff hired. Safety measures and social distancing will have to be planned carefully.

Opening Times

There will be more confusion when Day Services finally resume as they won’t all resume at the same time, on the same day.

We also have young people transitioning out of special education into adult services. These young Adults won’t know where they are going in September.

It is crucially important that Day Care Service for people with disabilities get back up and running. They should be at full capacity, very quickly.

For more information on Day Services in your area please follow the link below:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/newdirections/resumption-of-adult-day-services-for-adults-with-disabilities.html

https://ableaustralia.org.au/services/day-programs/

https://www.gov.uk/day-care-centres

If you would like to purchase a Uccello Kettle for yourself or someone you care for please follow the link below:

https://www.uccellodesigns.com/choose-version/