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ADULT STORIES
Gary’s Story
 Gary is 40 years old and moved into Edendale House in March of 2005. He was born in Cleveland and lived with his mother until her death in May 2004. They had a very close relationship and were well known in their local community. Other than attending workshop, Gary mostly stayed at home with his mother. Unfortunately, no plans were in place for Gary's care once his mother died. Without close family members other than an elderly aunt who lived in another state, Gary was appointed a guardian through Adult Protective Services. He was placed in respite care and eventually moved to an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) unit at a nursing home.
Gary's overall physical health is stable and he uses a customized manual wheelchair for mobility. Two staff are required to transfer him in and out of his chair. Due to contractures in his hands, Gary must use adaptive eating utensils to feed himself. Because of a history of choking, staff prepares a special diet for him and monitors the texture of his food. In order to communicate, Gary uses a 9-cell device (Hawk) with Three Stooges pictures. He also uses hand signals and gestures to communicate: touching his head means 'Yes' and shaking his head indicates 'No'. He vocalizes when he becomes frustrated and moans when he is tired. Although Gary requires assistance with all activities of daily living, he makes every attempt to actively participate.
When an opening was identified at Edendale House, Gary and his team agreed it would be a more appropriate housing option for him. He already knew some of the residents since they had been at the same workshop a few years prior, and he has enjoyed renewing their acquaintance. Developmentally, Gary functions at a two-three year-old level, and he responds to firmness and a 'motherly' approach. Gary's days are spent attending a classroom program at United Cerebral Palsy. He is able to attend church services with a staff member who transports him in a lift-equipped van.
Since Gary's move to Edendale House, staff have discovered that he likes to get out into the community and is on his best behavior during outings. He enjoys getting his hair cut, shopping for personal items and eating out. Although he cannot read, he has fun with newspapers, magazines and manipulating paper of any kind. His mother used to have a large garden, and Gary enjoys spending some of his time in the garden at Edendale House. A very sociable man, Gary is usually smiling and happy. He likes anything related to the Three Stooges and Looney Tunes, and enjoys watching TV and listening to all types of music. A Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Gary loves sports, as well as George Bush, saluting and line dancing. After a tough year, Gary has finally found a home.
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