Many individuals over 65 years of age, with and without a disability, have no living or involved relatives. When an individual’s judgment is affected, appropriate assistance is of utmost importance to assure that outcomes of life-affecting decisions are properly considered.
But where will this assistance come from? Here at The Arc, our Advocacy Services identifies service needs and gaps and seeks to find solutions through other entities or, when necessary, by directly addressing the need.
I bring this up after an unfortunate event. Recently, Rosa B. was found unconscious on the floor of her room in a personal care boarding home, and was admitted to the hospital. It was later determined that Rosa had a massive stroke.
Over the next few days, the medical intervention team could not improve her condition and there was consensus among her medical team that she was not going to improve and her situation would begin to further deteriorate. For a woman in her 70’s the prognosis was extremely poor. Rosa never regained awareness of her surroundings, and she appeared to be in general discomfort.
The hospital social work staff was contacted to locate next of kin to help establish a course of treatment under the current circumstances. Determining that there were no involved family members, the hospital staff turned to Arc Advocacy Services. We accept guardianship for others when no other persons were willing or available to take on the responsibility for making appropriate end of life decisions.
Once the Court of Common Pleas granted Arc Advocacy Services emergency legal guardianship, Arc staff began consultation with the physicians and medical personnel to develop an appropriate course of treatment. Arc Advocacy staff became the point of contact for Rosa’s treatment team, and was able to sign the required medical release forms and documents to provide specific medical care and comfort for Rosa.
Arc Advocacy’s overall philosophy is to address the needs of individuals who have a disability, and because of it, Rosa and others have support. Where would folks turn if this option was not available?
Rosa recently passed away. The only people who attended her services were the staff from the Arc and the staff from the funeral home. No one should be this alone in life. But it happens. And when it does, The Arc steps in so there is someone there to support them.
Please join us in saying a prayer for Rosa. And if you have questions about Arc Advocacy Services, you can learn more by visiting or Web site or calling us.
