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THIS PHOTO REMINDS US ALL OF WHAT WE ARE FIGHTING FOR - KEEPING ROBIN LYNN SMILING, AND SAFE, WHILE VALIANTLY HANDLING HER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP BY SHARING, ASKING YOUR FRIENDS TO SHARE, AND ACT NOW, BY CALLING AND TEXTING THE PEOPLE PUBLISHED IN PREVIOUS ARTICLE.
Here are the updates:
*I have learned that injuries to Robin from a fall in February 2018, and contained in the first medical neglect claim against the group home operator, have lead to the permanent disfiguration of Robin Lynn. Remember the first claim was made in March 2018, and CT Abuse & Neglect, allowed the very group home operator named in the complaint to self investigate the claim against their own agency! Robin had several falls in the days proceeding the fall that initially knocked out one tooth, and loosened another. The group home operator failed to put preventative safety equipment and proper staff observation and support in place, that could have prevented this injury. They were off on their agenda of "attention seeking behavior". The second tooth loosened in the same fall, was to be observed by her dentist in hopes that it would reset itself (my layman's term). Recently, I attended a telephone conference call with the dentist, Robin Lynn, and the house director, from an intensive care waiting room where my husband had been hospitalized. The dentist confirmed that he needed to remove the tooth and sought permission to do so. It had continued to loosen to the point of concern that it could cause more damage to Robin Lynn if it were to fall out while sleeping, etc. and cause a medical concern situation. I gave permission for the tooth to be pulled immediately, and discussed the options to fill in the "two tooth gaping hole" in the front of her top jaw. Three possibilities that we might all consider were unavailable to Robin. The first appliance could not be cleaned daily, and reinserted with Robin Lynn's limited (cerebral palsy caused) dexterity. The second two, more permanent, regardless of cost, could cause her jaw to be irrevocably damaged, should she sustain another fall causing impact to that area. I'm sure you've noted in the pictures I have presented that Robin Lynn has smiled through life. She has been asking me how we are going to fix the hole left by one tooth for months. She wears a helmet for the very seizures, including the recording in the records for years, of the drop seizures. This group home operator has been off on their unprovable tangent of "attention seeking behavioral falls", and failing to do what is necessary to take care of Robin Lynn. The CT DSS has stood by, while letting their contract for service group home operator investigate themselves. You'll note in my letter to the governor that two more injuries occurred, while the group home operator, investigated themselves. We had another incident in the group home last weekend where one of the very staff people I fear, showed Robin Lynn no empathy of her injury (to the mouth area), and distressed Robin Lynn further by telling her that "she was going nowhere". Who offered Robin Lynn proper support? An outside person from a local hospital, who was in house solely to meet the needs of one of the other residents.
*I was notified yesterday via a phone call by a DDS staff person that I will no longer have contact with the two levels of DDS staff people (I'm not naming individual names) that have served as the DDS representative on Robin Lynn's team for yearly meetings, etc., and the other has appeared in Probate Court representing the State DDS, and have served as a place where I can go to ask questions regarding living up to DDS guidelines as I serve as guardian. Why take the people with hands on history of all that is Robin Lynn during this time of conflict? Additionally, this individual asked if I thought I would like to seek an outside evaluation of Robin. No, I don't. Robin's medical records support drop seizures, balance and gait problems, and advise supports such as gait belts, helmet, leg brace, etc. for years. I know what she is, and those same records state "according to the staff who brought her", and that is where the problem originates. Not Robin Lynn! Not the guardian, but a group operator's untrained staff agenda. PLEASE NOTE: In regard to my being denied access and communication with the two levels of DDS mentioned within this paragraph, I received a call yesterday - leaving a message, that there was a misunderstanding in communication, and I could and will have access and communication from those DDS staff people.
*Yesterday, in an email to me, DDS stated that the group home operators do have a clause in their contracts that allows them to discharge a client. I was made aware of that on the date that the group home operator sent me notification. It was stated more than once that it is seldom used. It could appear that DDS gave arrogance to the wings of this operator, when they allowed them to self investigate claims of medical neglect against their own agency. While the operator was investigating themselves, they issued the discharge order. I find it to be retaliation.
*Yesterday, in the same email the DDS stated that even though the group home operator has issued a discharge date that Robin Lynn does not have to be moved until a satisfactory placement can be found. I've known that, but do not trust it based on my experience with DDS placating this group home operator to the detriment of Robin Lynn. I've sent the following response: "I was made aware of the fact that the DDS can delay discharge leaving the resident in their current situation, until suitable placement can be located, and approved by the guardian. It is here that we reach our impasse because I refuse to sign the necessary form to release the very records that (program operator name removed for publication) has contaminated, necessary for other group home providers to review. I have sent DDS a reconfiguration of that form, and if the DDS is willing to provide all that I have requested, and allowed review of all of the information, by myself, or my designee, I may be able to sign it."
*In the same email, DDS suggests that a meeting between the guardian and the operator be arranged. Here is my response: "As to meeting with (operator name removed) now, it is not a matter of sooner than later, I have been down every reasonable avenue with them for at least the last year and a half, to no useful outcome. Actually, I honestly feel that it is DDS and (operator name removed) that need to work out these issues."
*Finally, as I end my email response, I can't help but let DDS know how serious this has become to me, Robin Lynn's welfare, and thanks to all our volunteers - so many others. Here is the closing: "As I write, I have volunteers who will help me get this to Washington DC. Additionally, if need be, I’ll stand proud, with conviction and proof in any court in the land to take care of Robin Lynn’s future. If that becomes necessary it won’t be in probate court, because it could appear that (operator name removed) and CT DDS feel that they are above that."