Background
Mr. Sam Wilson, who prefers to be called Sam, is a 36 year old man with Down’s syndrome, a seizure disorder and complications from diabetes. He has lived with his parents since birth. Both of Sam’s parents are now in their seventies. Things have gone fairly well for Sam with help from his father, in particular. Sam’s father 
has helped Sam over the years with daily living activities (meals, medications, laundry, and transportation), and more recently he has monitored Sam’s diabetes. Sam’s Mom is less able to help him due to her own health issues.
A week ago, Sam’s father was hospitalized unexpectedly with a heart ailment. Sam and his mother coped with the help of neighbors for five days before being advised that her husband’s condition was chronic and would restrict his ability to serve as Sam’s primary caregiver going forward. Not knowing where to turn for help, the hospital’s social worker advised Sam’s Mom to contact the Regional Department of Developmental Services (DDS) office to find out what services may be available to assist in this emergency.
Sam’s Mom was grateful when DDS responded quickly to her call. Within a few days, a support coordinator (the title given to case managers in this agency) came to the home to meet with Sam and his Mom. Sam talked about the critical role his Dad played in his life and his fear and anxiety about the future. He would like to live more independently and his Mom believes this might be in his best interest since they can no longer help him the way they did in the past. But the immediate priority is to get Sam the supports he needs at home. His mother expressed concern about Sam’s dependence on others to get through the day, take his medications and do household chores.
