Aw Hell....

[bearbtmmd]

When we lived in Baltimore, David worked with mentally handicapped adults. He worked personally with a gentleman for 7 years there. He and I both grew attached to him and became good friends with his mother. Before we moved, she asked that David and I take over as Robert’s Trustees when she passes. About two weeks ago Roberts mother passed away

Comments

[gregbearphl]

Hey Guys: I don't know if you knew this but my Great Aunt is mentally disabled and is in the care of the State of Florida so I wrote to my Dad about your situation (who you guys met one Thanksgiving). Here is his reply. I hope it is helpful for Robert.

I have just spoken with George Tsismanakis who said that your friends MUST BEGIN with knowledge of the disabled person's financial assets and income. If he is eligible for Medicaid and is mentally disabled he should be eligible for state services. But George said that there is a long waiting list of such persons.
George said that if the man is not eligible for Medicaid or needs immediate care, the remaining option is Assisted Living. Your friends could speak with the Florida "Agency for Persons with Disabilities" about this. Your friends should be able to find the local office for that agency in Panama City or another nearby location. I think that face-to-face contacts are more successful than phone calls.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is a state run program that helps individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It provides assistance to identify the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and funding to purchase supports and services. The agency's primary mission is to support persons with developmental disabilities in living, learning, and working in all aspects of community life." To receive services, a person must live in Florida and must be diagnosed with a developmental disability before the age of 18. Persons who have or might have a developmental disability may apply for services at any time by calling the agency in their area. Concerned relatives, friends or others may apply on behalf of a person believed to have a developmental disability.