Lyndsey Telford from BBC News NI reported on the distressing situation faced by the parents of a woman with severe learning disabilities. Mark and Marjorie Sharp expressed their concerns that their daughter, Laura, was being forced to leave her supported living home due to issues they raised about her care. Laura, 39, had been residing at The Mews in west Belfast for seven years, but the situation has taken a troubling turn.
The Cedar Foundation, responsible for managing the facility, refrained from providing specific comments on individual cases. However, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, which oversees Laura’s care, acknowledged the stress and anxiety experienced by her and her family. The Trust emphasized its commitment to working with the family to ensure Laura’s well-being is the top priority moving forward.
Mark and Marjorie Sharp detailed the deterioration of Laura’s mental health over the past year, prompting them to voice their concerns about various aspects of her care, such as medication, overall well-being, and the cleanliness of her living quarters. Despite their efforts, the Sharps were accused of being abusive towards staff after requesting a private occupational therapist for their daughter. The situation escalated when Cedar sent a notice terminating Laura’s care, leaving the parents feeling like their daughter was being unfairly evicted.
The breakdown in the relationship between the Sharps and Cedar stemmed from what the facility cited as difficulties in providing the necessary care and support for Laura. Allegations of verbal aggression and intimidation towards staff led to the decision to end her placement. The continuous contact from Laura’s parents was viewed as creating unrealistic demands and undue pressure on the staff, prompting a decision that the provider deemed necessary for the well-being of all parties involved.
Nuala Toman, head of disability and innovation at Disability Action, shed light on the common challenges faced by families dealing with similar situations. Like the Sharps, other families have experienced strained relationships with care providers and have felt penalized for raising concerns about their loved one’s care. Toman emphasized the need for better communication and support for families in navigating the complex system. While the situation remains unresolved, the Sharps continue to advocate for their daughter’s well-being, highlighting the importance of being a vigilant parent regardless of their child’s age
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
