Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
(CSSW): Disability Support
Coping with the daily challenges of a physical, emotional, or mental
disability is difficult enough; coping with your dignity intact is even harder.
CSSW helps people do both.
CSSW programs empower thousands of people with disabilities to maximize
their independence by providing housing, counseling, hands-on assistance,
respite support, and more.
For adults with developmental disabilities, Intentional
Communities of Washtenaw (ICW) offers
independent housing options and support assistance. Housing Support
Services provides comprehensive services in Ann Arbor’s Avalon Housing. Behavior
Health Counseling Services helps people at all stages of life
struggling with psychiatric, substance abuse, and emotional issues.
Interfaith
Volunteer Caregivers, The Oaks ~Adult Day
Services, and Neighborhood Senior
Services provide senior caregiver support, home safety/home
maintenance, and a program for adults with memory and cognitive deficits.
A young woman who is developmentally disabled has her own home in a
supportive community. A formerly
homeless Vietnam
veteran with mental illness receives medical and housing assistance to remain
vital and independent. A wife can delay
nursing home placement for her husband because of respite help. Coping – with
dignity.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week, we share the
story of Ruth and Syd, who are involved with The Oaks:
When you walk into The Oaks ~
Adult Day Services, you see people socializing, practicing yoga and Tai Chi, cooking,
listening to music, playing board games; laughing, and living. The Oaks provides stimulating activities 5
days a week to improve social interaction and mental acuity, while also
providing needed support for loved ones seeking a break from the demands of
daily caregiving.
Syd led the kind of life most
would envy. He and his wife, Ruth, are
happily married with two children and five grandchildren. After receiving his doctorate at Brandeis University, he built a rewarding 40-year
career as a U of M professor. He traveled
extensively, enjoyed an active social life, and kept himself physically fit.
Nine years ago, Syd was diagnosed
with age-related dementia.
After the initial shock, Ruth
realized that her husband’s well-being was in her hands. “As Syd became more
physically debilitated, I was becoming really tired—exhausted would be a better
word. That’s when I knew I need to have outside help.”
Ruth tried various options before
choosing The Oaks, which operates under 5 core values: comfort, care,
compassion, dignity, and respect. The
program has created structure and stimulation to Syd’s day. Equally important, it gives Ruth the respite
to help her stay mentally and physically able to provide for her partner.
This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member
