Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm wondering what it will be like for autistic people as we age and maybe need residential care, will there be any provision for us? Will the cognitive tests for dementia be modified to accomodate us? I could well see a situation where I'm asked to do something and can't do it because I've never been able to do it and its not a sign of cognitive degeneration.
How will care homes cope with us? Will we be force fed ABBA or The Beatles because thats what some well meaning NT decides was popular in our youth? What if we want to listen to the Sex Pistols or the Clash, or Pink Floyd? I see older people in care homes and what they're made to put up with in terms of "activities", a steady diet of soaps would make me wish to to impaired to care, will we be able to watch re-runs of Game of Thrones? What about our need for personal space? I've heard that called "self isolating" by dementia nurses, it dosent' seem to occur to them that for many of us hell is other people.
My ideal would be a place with gardens that went a distance so you could go for a walk in peace if you wanted to and small units that you could have some independence if wanted, but someone on call if needed. This would be a bit like people who have carers coming into their homes, but with people close at hand.
It is a pity so many places don't understand some people's needs to have their own space. It reminds me of life in general where people feel they need to encourage everyone to join in with socialising that some don't find comfortable. I think entertainment and activities should be optional.
It would be good to have homes set up for those who don't want to follow the crowd and perhaps ask advice from residents or possible residents of the future.