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By: Richard Smith
Adopted by: Peggy Cooper
For many years Joyce had lived in an institution. One struggle
for Joyce was going to the dentist - she really hated it. Joyce
had a reputation for fighting and fearing any medical procedure.
She had many tooth problems and eventually her teeth had to be
extracted.
When Joyce moved to Homeplace, there was still a lot of fear and
fight. Several patient staff worked to allow Joyce to say "no"
and began to help her stay calm during visits to her dentist.
Stable and generous support helped Joyce establish a solid basis
for negotiation of feared people and places. Supportive house
managers helped interpret Joyce's behavior to her dentist.
Joyce expressed a desire to have teeth. She would point to her
mouth and smile. She watched people close to her manage their own
dentures, but still she had difficulty even sitting in the
dentist's chair for an examination, much less any restorative
procedures.
Discussions between the dentist and various people close to
Joyce resulted in everyone agreeing that dentures were worth a
try.
No one knew how Joyce would react. Would she sit still long
enough to have impressions made? Would she throw the dentures away
like she did the hearing aids? Would she care for her dentures
properly? Would she be able to chew with a mouth full of teeth?
In the fall of 1998, the dentist agreed to try to take
impressions. Joyce's fear, pain and discomfort were eased because
she was surrounded by people she knew and loved, and by her
personal dentist she had learned to trust.
In the mix of personal relationships, trust, negotiation and
love, Joyce sat still longer than she ever had and the impressions
were taken successfully. The first hurdle was behind the team of
people, hoping for a small miracle. Top of
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Four weeks later, Joyce returned to find a new set of teeth
waiting for her. To everyone's delight, Joyce kept her teeth in
for the entire day, proudly pointing to them. She was able to
speak more clearly and her smile was a little brighter for the
holiday season.
This is a modern miracle, worked by a caring dentist, supportive
staff and a brave woman who had a dream that did not go unnoticed.
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Letter to the Editor
Opening Doors, Changing Lives
State of Tennessee
Division of Mental Retardation Services
RE: Family Handbook
I would like to thank everyone who participated in writing,
reviewing, layout and revision of this wonderful handbook. As
a parent I appreciate this information so much, and I am sure
every parent who is fortunate enough to get a copy will feel
the same way I do. We as parents have needed something like
this for a long time. I have found the information has helped
me tremendously to understand the services available to
families with Mentally Disabled members. For so long we have
grasped at straws trying to find out what is out there for our
beloved family member. I have tried to provide everything for
my daughter that I knew was available for her through
Sheltered Workshop and now through the Community Participation
Program that has just become available, but, there are so many
questions that we as parents wonder about and don’t know
where to turn to get information about our concerns. This
handbook has helped me feel I have sources out there that are
interested in my concerns and tells me my rights as a parent
as well as the rights of my child. I also look forward to the
OPENING DOORS, CHANGING LIVES letter I have been receiving. It
helps me to stay abreast of what is happening in our state. I
want to say, “THANK YOU AGAIN” for a great job.
Sincerely,
Brenda Brown |
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