Letter: How 'village' life helps mentally handicapped
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Neither the purchasing nor the providing agencies for the Buckinghamshire homes for people with mental handicap adequately involved the residents' families. They, apparently, learnt of the abuses from your reports (17, 20 September).
Rescare, the national society for mentally handicapped people in residential care, which represents families who seek lifelong care and support for people with a mental handicap, knows that the present system of locally administered registration and inspection of homes does not and cannot adequately protect their vulnerable residents.
In some localities, the registration system militates against innovation or further development of the type of residential provision desired by many families.
From 2,000 responses so far received by Rescare, in a continuing survey to establish family wishes, the majority select a residential or village community that is outward- looking and associated with the general community as a preferred provision for their handicapped relative.
The few existing villages have long or closed waiting lists. They provide a demonstrably enjoyable lifestyle for their residents. Development of more villages - for example, by evolution on some existing hospital sites - would be in accord with what is acceptable to government.
Such development would please families all over the country, would undoubtedly reduce the cost to the public purse, would provide many people with a mental handicap with a fulfilling lifestyle, and through family and local community involvement should reduce the present high risk of abuse associated with isolated homes.
Yours faithfully,
RUTH FORECAST
Administrator
MAURICE BROOK
Hon Vice Chairman
Rescare
Stockport
Cheshire
21 September
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments