Unfortunately, the information has been so hard to come by that I started to think it might be worth writing about that--how hard it is to get information about her current well-being. One of the criticisms leveled … [Read more...]
The Truth About Fernald
There has been much discussion regarding a guardian's decision to move an elderly woman from Fernald to a home in the community. Most of the bloggers are discribing this woman's past 50 years at Fernald as idealic. Give me a … [Read more...]
Case of Anna T. sparks dramatic testimony in federal court–Update
The Globe did an in-depth story today on the hearing, as did the Waltham Daily News Tribune. NECN and the Associated Press reported on the hearing as well.In the end, U.S. District Court Joseph L. Tauro said he is considering … [Read more...]
Federal judge schedules hearing on Fernald transfers
All six transferred residents, including the elderly woman, are represented legally by the same corporate guardian, the Arc of Greater Boston (GBARC), which approved the moves in cooperation with the Department of Mental Retardation. … [Read more...]
Elderly woman loses long-time home at Fernald
The woman, who has moderate mental retardation and several medical problems, lived at Fernald for over 50 years and had many friends and long-time caregivers there. Last month, she told Meagher herself that while she thought the house … [Read more...]
DMR moving elderly Fernald resident against her wish
Meagher maintained that despite U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Tauro's ruling last year that Fernald must remain open to its current residents, the Patrick administration "is trying to subvert that order by reducing the … [Read more...]
Fernald and the folly of unchecked privatization
By way of disclosure, I have been working as a consultant to The Fernald League for the Mentally Retarded, Inc., a nonprofit, family-run organization seeking to keep Fernald open. However, I’ve written this and a previous … [Read more...]
DMR’s disconnect
The costs for serving particular (Fernald) residents in community settings would be based upon a careful assessment of what supports would be needed in order to provide them with equal or better care in the community. Such costs … [Read more...]
The evidence is in: DMR did little or no Fernald cost analysis
A written statement issued by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services that day claimed that it costs $239,000 per resident per year to operate Fernald, and that comparable care in the community system currently costs … [Read more...]
The incomprehensibility of the state’s plan for care of the mentally retarded
Meanwhile, the state has built or rehabilitated at least three houses in three different towns, which could be used as group homes for at least some of those waiting people.But those houses are standing empty. Why? Because the state … [Read more...]