A Nova Scotia woman is expressing concern for her adult son’s future as the province’s institutions for people with developmental disabilities are scheduled to close. Jeanette Yurczyszyn’s son, Greg Neil, lives at the Kings County Rehabilitation Centre, which will be transitioning away from offering full-time care. Yurczyszyn emphasizes the need for a stable and reliable system for her son, who is just 33 years old. Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire confirms that all seven institutions for people with developmental disabilities will be shuttered as mandated by the court, focusing on providing choice and comfort for individuals during the transitional period.
Greg Neil, who has been at the Waterville facility for the last four years, is described by his mother as a loving man with complex care needs that she is unable to meet when things become violent. Neil has Down syndrome, oppositional defiance, ADHD, tendencies of schizophrenia, and is a flight risk. Yurczyszyn acknowledges that her son feels comfortable at the center, even though both he and she would prefer him to be at home. The closure of the facilities presents challenges for families like Neil’s, who require specialized care and support not readily available in community settings.
Susan Hines-Kennedy, CEO of the Kings County Rehabilitation Centre, notes that community inclusion for their 150 clients is long overdue and that their team is assisting with the transition. While the overnight stay program at the facility is being phased out, small option homes and social enterprises will be offered as alternatives. The government’s 2013 report, known as The Roadmap, emphasized the need to move away from institutional facilities and towards smaller, community-based options. The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal ruled in October 2021 that the province’s lack of accessible housing services for people with disabilities violated their fundamental rights.
The province has until 2028 to implement a remedy for the closure of the institutions, with Minister Maguire emphasizing the need for a thoughtful and individualized approach to ensure that each person feels comfortable with the transition. Maguire does not provide a specific deadline for the process, underscoring the importance of giving people choice in their care and living arrangements. Yurczyszyn, at 62 years old, expresses anxiety over the looming closure and stresses the need for younger, well-trained professionals to take over the care of these individuals, allowing parents and guardians like herself to step back and be family members instead of primary caregivers.
Overall, the closure of institutions for people with developmental disabilities in Nova Scotia is a significant and complex process that requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the well-being and comfort of the individuals affected. Families like Jeanette Yurczyszyn’s are facing uncertainty and anxiety as they navigate this transition, highlighting the need for adequate support and resources for those with complex care needs. The province’s focus on community-based options and individualized care is intended to provide choice and safety for individuals with developmental disabilities as they move towards more independent living arrangements.
