CHAPTER 38

Original (Published in "Lun's World"): 2006-03-03

Rewritten: 2025-11-25

Lun realized that the facilities and services at the group home were better than those at his own home, so without hesitation, he decided to live there.

Just like a wise bird choosing the right tree to perch on, Lun was the same. When he discovered a place more spacious and comfortable than his own home, with better services and a livelier atmosphere, he did not hesitate. He made a straightforward decision to move into the group home.

Lun had officially relocated to a residence designed for adults (19 and above) with special needs. Unless unexpected circumstances arise, everything concerning his daily living — food, clothing, housing, and transportation — would be the responsibility of the provincial government, delivered through funded social service agencies or for-profit providers. Under strict supervision and ample support, he would be cared for by staff for life.

On the second weekend after Lun moved in, we brought him home for an overnight stay. The next evening, his grandparents and uncle came with us to send him back and visit his new place. Seeing everyone entering the home together, Lun found it a bit strange.

A few minutes later, he made a gesture toward his uncle, stretching his right arm toward the door and emitting an impatient “oooh” sound — ordering everyone to leave. We all knew he was issuing an eviction order; we were annoyed, yet amused.

The home was a single-level detached house located in a residential neighbourhood, managed by the BC Housing and leased to non government organizations or profit making service providers. Its appearance was no different from a regular home. There were front and back yards, a dining room, living room, side room, four single bedrooms, and two large bathrooms with support frames and ceiling lifts. The biggest bathroom had a therapeutic jacuzzi tub.

Staffing was arranged in three shifts daily: the first shift in the morning had one manager and two care aides; the second shift had two staff on duty; overnight there was one. Of the other three residents, two used wheelchairs, and the third walked with assistive equipment. Lun, the youngest and fully mobile, was assigned a room that did not open to the backyard to prevent him from wandering off.

He liked to remove his shoes and socks as soon as he entered the house. Staff had to remind him to put his shoes back into the cabinet and hang up his jacket. Once done, he would lie on the sofa to rest. Since the other three residents had limited mobility, the sofa essentially became his exclusive territory.

Activities were scheduled seven days a week, with a structured routine: wake-up at 7 a.m., three main meals with two snack times in between, and bedtime at 9 p.m. Meals and nutrition were reviewed by a dietitian. Lun had adapted to not drinking soda in the home, switching to water; although he didn’t drink often, he could now finish a cup. He also understood and followed the rules: eat only in the dining room, and stay out of the kitchen when staff were cooking.

Besides the five daily eating times, taking medication on schedule was also important. Prescription medications were prepared by a designated pharmacy and packed into calendar-style blister packs to ensure residents took them on time. During medical appointments, staff brought his medical records along.

The reason Lun hurried all the elders out that night was because he was eagerly waiting for the evening activity — playing with water in the giant bathtub. A staff member supervised the entire time to prevent accidents. He quickly got used to having staff do for him what his parents used to do.

The service Lun received was even better than a hotel. His grandfather, watching all this, remarked, “No wonder!” Immediately, he understood why his grandson had settled in so smoothly — it was simply a matter of choosing the best place to call home.