THE AGING OF THE POPULATION

This is the first generation of this population to live to old age. With excellent medical support, care of families and settings like Brookwood, they are living into old age and outliving their parents for the first time ever. Much needs to be learned about life stage events and illnesses in this group. For example, what is para-menopause like with someone with Down Syndrome? What does deteriorating gall bladder do to a person who can’t tell you their symptoms? What about blood sugar problems? If a person is thirsty all the time, what should be suspected? Pre-dementia Alzheimer’s may look different in this group.

Those with Down Syndrome age prematurely. They may rapidly change in appearance and ability. Extreme changes may occur within a month or anywhere from a month to a year, or for some, perhaps within five years. It is rare, but some can live to be 100. The rapid aging occurs around 45-50 years of age. New statistics show that those with mental disabilties who are over 40 will live 10 or 12 years short of an average life span. Those with Down Syndrome will live about 20 years less than a normal average span. People with cerebral palsy age differently too. Research is showing that the hormones of men with disabilities change more dramatically than the hormones of women with disabilities.

To accommodate the population of aging residents, and to manage the more than two hundred on the active waiting list, Brookwood is planning to refurbish the Inn. It will eventually house the infirmary, the wellness clinic and a continuing care program for those needing nursing care. If someone needs oxygen around the clock or tube feedings, for example, those services will be provided. Services will include Hospice program so residents can stay at Brookwood until the very end of their lives. Elder care with this population is a whole field that needs to be explored.

Another serious consideration is a retirement community at Brookwood that would include retired volunteers and residents’ aging family members. An aging mother, alone could live in a duplex; the community could help take care of
her yard and check in on her. Her child could visit, and she might find interests volunteering in the workshops.

FUTURE PLANS

Building plans are on the drawing boards for housing for interns, staff and a few select retired folks, volunteers and family. A projected retirement village concept will include five or six duplexes, long term care as well as Hospice services, to bring the circle of life to closure. The store in the café is being rebuilt, and the Inn will be completely renovated. The business will keep expanding and developing, extending its advantages and productive potential. More crafts will be explored that will be competitive in the market place.

The biggest issue with regard to the continuation of Brookwood into the future, is funding. The foundation needs twenty-five million dollars as a minimum endowment to assure the longevity of the operation. It is difficult to raise that kind of money, but Yvonne Streit and her staff continue their efforts, along with help from committed familes. Such a general endowment would provide insurance in case of suddenly rising fuel costs, of a bad crop of plants some season, for example. As a private, non-profit organization, they want to avoid having to go to families with raises in tuition to cover unexpected expenses. They already have small endowments for the homes, and have received from the benefactors, funds for future maintenance and repairs. The big building with the pool has its own endowment as well.

Staffing is another critical consideration in thinking about the perpetuity of Brookwood. How to maintain the vision, direction and philosophy; the home teaching model, the work program, that includes everyone. The future must incorporate elder care, as Brookwood pioneers approaches to care for older people with disabilities. Staff with the same vision are critical for the future. Many staff members at Brookwood came from public schools or rehabilitation settings where they had become disenchanted with bureaucracies, and burned out when they could not do the work they were trained for, or were not appreciated for their skills.

At Brookwood, their hands are untied. They can rely on an inner personal model that allows them to use their instincts. They are not required to follow any one set of behavioral rules, but are free to follow what works for them. The team works together on plans for the good of each resident.

Many staff members speak emotionaly about their part in the mission and purpose at Brookwood. One said, "I used to work in a business setting where I really didn’t know what my function was and the purpose of it. Here I feel as if I do have purpose even though I work in the office. I feel as if I help the community in some small way, and it makes me feel good. I love the students, and it makes me feel good to be a part of them."

As for continuity of leadership, there already is a legacy in place at Brookwood; people who have been involved for many years and understand how it is run. One of Yvonne’s daughters is chief financial officer; another daughter is a teacher at Briarwood. Richard DeMunbrun has been with the program since its inception. Most agree that there are enough people who believe in Brookwood’s mission and who have extensive experience in the community, available for
future leadership, whenever Yvonne Streit decides to relinquish the reins.

Over the years, eight or ten organizations have visited the Brookshire site and tried to replicate the program. Over the last four or five years, hundreds of programs have visited, but these are difficult ventures to launch and maintain. none is doing as well as Brookwood itself.

Contributors to this discussion at Brookwood Community:
Yvonne Streit, Executive Director
Rick DeMunbrun, Director
Jim Ging, Assistant Director, Horticulture Manager
Susanne George, Horticulture Teacher
Nancy Brahm, Grower, Team Leader
Ken Stueart, Behavior Specialist/Master Teacher
Diana Glauser, Administrative Assistant to Rick DeMunbrun

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