By Jan, Gregg’s mom
Gregg turned 61 on March 28.
Every Saturday, our church serves 150 to 200 people at Shared Table. Gregg has been the chief greeter and plate scraper at this event for 32
years. He loves his volunteer job. He has been a member of Grace Methodist Church since he was 13 and has attended Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for campers ages 16 and older with developmental delays.
years. He loves his volunteer job. He has been a member of Grace Methodist Church since he was 13 and has attended Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for campers ages 16 and older with developmental delays.
Gregg lived at home until the age of 22, then moved to a men’s group home nearby.
Group homes were closed in New Mexico in 1994, and clients were moved into community rentals with caregiving services. At that time, we purchased a house for him and with a roommate, he continued to have full-time care and worked in a sheltered workshop. Over the years, service delivery has changed. He has lived in his house for 32 years and knows his neighbors well.
Three years ago, his brother, Bruce, and sister-in-law, Jenny, moved to Alamogordo to be his caregivers. Bruce completed the 64 hours of training and is caring for Gregg under the MiVia waiver. Gregg is very happy with this arrangement, and so am I.
At 80 years old, I drove 100 miles to La Cruces to attend 8 days of 8-hour training sessions so I could be his caregiver on the Medicaid Waiver. For one year, his father and I did that as the agency providing services had difficulty finding reliable caregivers.
Gregg loves spending time at our lake cabin in northern Idaho, attending church, Sunday School, Shared Table, watching his DVDs – Emergency, ER, Grey’s Anatomy, Bay Watch, and anything with a lot of drama and action. He has a large box of assorted cards (playing cards, sports cards) that he spreads on the floor and, on his hands and knees, carries on a conversation, moving the cards around. For years, he did the same thing with sticks in the backyard.
He is somewhat verbal, speaking in simple sentences. He can communicate his needs. His language is much more complex when talking to cards and sticks or to himself. He lays out his clothes each night, can dress himself, and does simple chores. He does need help shaving and showering. (He is very tactually defensive.)
He’s happiest when his routine is not interrupted. He’s a great traveler – riding in cars, campers, boats, or airplanes. He’s very social. His meds are placed in a cup morning and evening, and he does not need to be reminded to take them. He can be a twerp when things don’t go his way.
His behavior isn’t always perfect. But I guess we’ll keep him.
Sincerely,
Jan (His mom)
Jan (His mom)
I remember meeting your family at conferences in the 90’s and early 2000’s. So happy to hear that Gregg is doing so well. You have adapted beautifully and lovingly to meet his needs through the years. Thank you for sharing the unique supports and care that have helped Gregg to flourish.