Lee Carty,
Bazelon Center,
202-467-5730 ext 121, leec@bazelon.org
Representative residents of Connecticut nursing homes
Pseudonyms are used to protect individuals’ privacy. Interviews can be arranged through James McGaughey, 860-297-4308 or Nancy Alisberg, 860-297-4397.
“JERRY”
Jerry has been at Bidwell more than three years. Having lived on his own for more than five years, he developed delusions and was ultimately hospitalized, then discharged to Bidwell. Jerry is diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia. He fears being kicked out of the nursing home so has not complained about any conditions. He has a conservator to manage his money, who has never talked to Jerry. Jerry finished high school and has work experience in auto repair. He is able to cook, clean, shop and take his medications on his own. He is looking for a place to live. He would like to have friends visit, draw, run errands, cook, have a private bathroom, and enjoy the peace and quiet that does not exist in the nursing home. He would like to work. He does not know if he has a discharge plan.
“DONALD”
Donald is in his early 50s and has lived at Bidwell more than six years. He worked steadily as a store clerk and engineer until he began to hear voices. He takes two medications that have controlled his symptoms and hopes to return to live on his own among his friends. “I would really like to get out of here, and get back some control over my life,” he says. “We can’t even order food from the restaurants around here or go for a walk when we want to. This is no way to live.”
“SARAH”
Sarah lived alone for more than 12 years in the family home. When the home was sold, Sarah moved to an apartment she was able to rent with a HUD Section 8 housing voucher. After several months she was hospitalized, then discharged to a nursing home. She has been at Bidwell for one and a half years, during which time she lost her apartment and her section 8 voucher. Sarah has been diagnosed as having schizo-affective disorder. She has worked as a group home counselor, a supervisor and a delivery person. At Bidwell, Sarah is allowed to go out accompanied for four hours at a time, but says they take such passes away for disciplinary reasons. She would like to live in the community so she could have more freedom. She would prefer supported housing and looks forward to taking walks, having a cat, eating vegetarian (the nursing home rarely has salad), visiting with her family and not having to pay 50 cents each time she makes a phone call.
“SUSAN”
Susan is in her 20s and has been at Bidwell almost a year. After leaving home, she lived in shelters and was ultimately hospitalized. She was discharged to Bidwell. She is s diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and multiple personality disorder, and has a history of substance abuse. She has attended college and worked in a grocery store. Susan would like to be discharged to a group home or supportive apartment. She finds it hard to speak on the phone because of the lack of privacy at Bidwell. She would like to be able to use a computer, but there are no computers.
“KATHY”
Kathy is in her early 50s. She has lived both in her own apartment and in a group home. After a hospital stay, she was discharged to Chelsea Place, where she spent two years on the locked unit. Now she is on the unlocked 4th floor. Kathy has experience doing janitorial work and landscaping. She has been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and has a history of substance abuse. She attends AA meetings but gets no counseling – only activities.
Kathy did not like the locked unit, especially the lack of freedom and inability to go outside for walks. Now that she is on the 4th floor, she can go out for an hour or two. She would like to live on her own again and work, but when she mentions leaving the facility, she is told “not now – wait a few months.” She would not need any help taking her medication, cooking, cleaning or doing laundry. She would need counseling and AA/NA support.
“MARJORIE”
Marjorie is over 65 and has been at West Rock more than nine years. Before coming to West Rock, she lived in her own apartment and then a shelter. She has depression and a history of alcoholism, although she has now been sober for more than 10 years. She has never been hospitalized. Other than AA, Marjorie would not need any supports to live in the community. She discussed discharge with the social worker, who suggested that she “try to help yourself” and seek a change of conservator.
Marjorie would like to live alone, without a roommate. She would like to go out, do her own shopping, and visit friends and family. She currently goes out of the nursing home to Bingo, shopping and dinners, though these privileges were taken away for several weeks after she bought cigarettes for another resident.
Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
1101 15th Street, NW, Suite
1212
Washington, DC 20005
