The title refers to the Christmas staff night out. Just after the last night out in September, I ‘predicted’ that the date would be the 18th of December, which is the last Saturday before Christmas. The manager confirmed that the 18th would be the night. Over the past years, our youngest has been at home on the nights they have chosen, which gave me the perfect reason not to go. As I have explained before, I’m not one for social events and dislike eating out with a number of people, that are not family.
With the youngest (RH) now only coming home every fortnight instead of weekly, the 18th falls on his weekend away. Hence ‘no excuse this time.’ It was okay last time, but this time it will be a little different. Two of the people that I got on well with, have now left and won’t be going, but the three people that I cannot stand are still there and will be invited. All the others, I can take or leave them.
It looks like we will be going to the local Italian for their Christmas menu, then on to a local function hall for a ‘Disco’! I think I can just about manage to cope with the meal, but dancing !!! Not these days.
<><><><><><><>
Thursday was a difficult day. It was the day of the youngest son’s funding review. For the past 10 years his placement has been fully funded by Continuing Health (CH). It’s part of the NHS that provides social care for adults who need full time care and assistance. There are now question that are being asked is whether CH should be fully funding this or whether the Local Authority should part fund the placement. This meant, that we had to got through a process called the Decision Support Tool or DST to identify who funds what.
It was very distressing, as RH has not ‘got better’ he is still Autistic and still needs the support he has been getting. What is different is that since the pandemic started RH has become a lot more receptive to changes that have occurred. This has been mainly down to the core team that work with him. The things he has done with them would not have seemed possible five years ago.
He has been to Centre Parcs for a few days, then a week ago he was at LegoLand, Brighton and walked the street of Central London, which was amazing.
From the keyboard of Tony 
Wow, he is doing so well, I hope this doesn’t make a difference to his funding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It could mean that he will have to contribute from his benefits
LikeLike
Oh, I hope it doesn’t come to that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it is decided to change the funding strategy, Most of the funding will come from the LCC Social Care budget. Not sure how that will go down. But the recommendation has to go to a panel first and we can appeal if we feel it’s in his best interest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really really hope that you get the approval, honestly. It’s fantastic to hear about his victories and I can imagine that he must feel happy about them, too (I loved Legoland whenever I went, honestly). (may I also add that I find these “check-ins” super ridiculous? Philipp’s gran had to fill out(!) a questionnaire(!!) to confirm that yes, she is still blind. I mean, WTAF, right??)
Is there any way that you can go to the dinner and then skip the disco (Disco??)? As someone who isn’t to keen on the big social events either, this would be a compromise I could live with (and then you can maybe try to sit FAAAAR AWAY from the people you don’t like)! Good luck!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that is all I can do. The restaurant is one that we have been to often, so maybe not as bad as expect. But the idea of me getting on down with the kids would not be a good look.
LikeLiked by 1 person
nahh you’d be the king of the dance floor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope it doesnt make a difference to his funding! I wish you and him all the best. Thanks for sharing!
Feel free to read some of my blogs 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is to be hoped that the people you work with don’t read your blog, Tony. Good luck with your son’s funding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks David.
LikeLike