Making a Home: Assisted Living in the Community for Young Disabled People

In most Canadian provinces, people with severe physical disabilities are warehoused in nursing homes, where their social, psychological, and emotional needs are not met. Jen Powley argues that everyone deserves to live with the dignity of risk and developed a group home for adults with severe physical disabilities to get them out of nursing homes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2023
Publisher: Fernwood Publishing Co Ltd

In many Canadian provinces, individuals with severe physical disabilities are often relegated to nursing homes, where a significant portion of residents, particularly in the age of homecare, are in the final stages of their lives. For a young person to reside in a home designed for death, while their physical assistance needs are met, their social, psychological, and emotional needs go unfulfilled. Jen Powley, in her book Making a Home, compellingly argues that every individual deserves to live with the dignity of risk.

Powley recounts her personal journey in Creating a Home, where she successfully transitioned young disabled individuals, including herself, out of nursing homes by establishing a group home for adults with severe physical disabilities. This book makes a strong case for living in the community and against the dehumanizing institutionalization of individuals with disabilities.

Through her experiences and advocacy, Powley challenges the prevailing notion that nursing homes are the only viable option for individuals with severe physical disabilities. She highlights the importance of providing holistic care that addresses not only the physical needs but also the social, psychological, and emotional well-being of individuals.

Powley's group home model provides a nurturing and supportive environment where residents can live independently, participate in community activities, and develop meaningful relationships. By fostering a sense of belonging and community, Powley aims to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities.

Moreover, Making a Home raises important ethical and social considerations regarding the treatment of individuals with disabilities. Powley challenges the notion that institutionalization is the only solution for individuals who cannot care for themselves and emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy and dignity of all individuals.

In conclusion, Jen Powley's book Making a Home is a powerful testament to the potential of community-based care for individuals with severe physical disabilities. Through her personal story and advocacy, Powley challenges the status quo and provides a roadmap for creating inclusive and supportive environments that empower individuals to live with dignity and risk.

Weight: 369g
Dimension: 22 x 14 x 1 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773635958