Advertisement

Mothers of disabled adult children meet in Halifax to call for an increase in supportive housing

Click to play video: 'Mothers of children with severe disabilities call on Nova Scotia to create more housing'
Mothers of children with severe disabilities call on Nova Scotia to create more housing
WATCH: A special Mother’s Day event was organized for mothers who provide full-time care to their disabled adult children due to a lack of accessible and appropriate residential care facilities in the province – May 13, 2019

Mothers of disabled adult children gathered at a special event in Halifax on Monday to discuss the barriers they face raising their children full-time and how their own age and health care are beginning to impact their ability to provide the support their children need.

“We always think our children will be home with us forever but reality hits and because of multiple sclerosis, I have days where just simply changing Robin and I’m wiped out, exhausted physically,” said Helen McTague.

The discussion was organized by a group called No More Warehousing.

READ MORE: Nova Scotians call for overhaul of long-term care homes

The organization is advocating for increased government supports to remove the burden of full-time care from mothers of disabled individuals, especially as they themselves age.

Story continues below advertisement

“If I could have the peace of mind of knowing if things get to that point, this is one of our options, or even if that there was an option and I’m at a loss, I don’t know what to do,” McTague said.

McTague will soon be turning 65.

Her daughter, Robin, is 28-years-old and lives with Dravet syndrome, a condition that causes severe seizures on a daily basis.

Robin McTague is a 28-year-old woman who is provided full-time care by her mother due to a lack of appropriate housing options in Nova Scotia. Alexa MacLean/Global Halifax

McTague says the last time she was ill and ended up in the emergency department, her daughter Robin was also hospitalized as there was no one able to care for her.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

She, along with many other mothers at the event, feel the government underestimates how many disabled adults are in need of specialized care like residential housing options.

Story continues below advertisement

“I don’t think the government is aware of what a huge population there is of people, young adults, that have survived through medical progress and let’s give them a life, let’s give them some independence, let’s give them a place to live their lives independently,” McTague said.

The current provincial budget has money earmarked for increases in support for disabled individuals.

“Over the past two years, the government has invested over $4 million to develop eight new community-based small option homes throughout the province. Additionally, government recently invested $1.5 million in front-end programs,” wrote Shannon Kerr, a spokesperson with the department of community services, in an emailed statement.

WATCH: Disability housing under construction but requires funding for staff

Click to play video: 'Disability housing under construction but requires funding for staff'
Disability housing under construction but requires funding for staff

Over the years, many disabled adults say the only option they have available for full-time care requires them to live in nursing homes.

Story continues below advertisement

Joanne Larade, 42, is one of them and she says it was her only option.

“You’re living with people twice your age. Dementia everywhere and on my floor there’s no one for me to talk to, just the staff. So, it’s not a solution. We need the government to hear us,” said Larade.

According to the statement from Kerr, moving disabled adults out of institutions isn’t a straightforward process.

“Moving residents into the community is a complex process, where the specific needs of each client must be carefully considered. We are committed to ensuring Disability Support Program clients are safe and successful for the long-term in this transition,” Kerr wrote.

Sponsored content

AdChoices