Preserving Lives, Conserving Costs: CDCS WorksA Campaign to Support Persons with Developmental Disabilities
and Their Families
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This is the story of our five-year-old son, Tristan Rodriquez. Tristan's disability consists of epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hypotonia, severe scoliosis, vision problems, and global developmental delay. Tristan has a wheelchair that we use to get him around, and it is also custom fitted for his spine. Tristan's needs consist of administering medications three times per day; assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, eating, and transfers; performing therapies to keep him from being too stiff; positioning; monitoring seizure activity; and monitoring his nightly feeding pump and during the day when ill. I have tried working outside the home, but because of all the medical appointments and illnesses that come up with Tristan, I haven't been able to keep a steady job for very long. Tristan basically needs 24-hour care. |
The services we used to get in 2004 were chore service, pool therapy, respite care, assisted technology, caregiver training, specialized medical expenses (glasses), and equipment necessary for Tristan as he gets bigger. The services we get right now are parent of minor staffing (part- time) and PCA staffing. With the new proposed budget we received, we will have to get rid of our out of home PCA staffing for 2006. Our budget was cut by $33,902.50. Also, our parental fee jumped from $25/per month up to $75/per month. The goal for Tristan is for him to be able to stay living in his own home with his family and to be as independent as he can be. Jeffery and Danette Rodriquez |
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