One of my neighbors is a gal who has a visually impaired brother and they all live with their elderly mother.
The siblings are now in their mid-to-late 60s. She hasn't worked in 17 years although she is NOT disabled--she just doesn't want to work--she gets medical care free & lives with her elderly mom who supports her and her brother. Her brother has never worked, although he is capable of working in a phone center or other jobs that don't require good vision--he also doesn't want to work & never has.
The brother doesn't do much except stay home or in his room and watch TV and movies, and has one of those enlarging screens so he can use the computer. He's fine with this. He does not go on walks or visit friends (he really doesn't have friends) or go shopping--his sister is his 'home health care aide' who does shopping for him & drives him to the doc as needed.
The sister wants to get a guide dog for the blind for him. He doesn't really want one & he, his sister & mom wouldn't be able to afford the dog's food or vet bills & he already said he wouldn't use the dog to help him be independent. He doesn't want his life to change--not even going on walk. His sister is a force of nature and may manipulate him into getting a dog.
They had a dog as a pet once.
The dog was ignored and they could only afford crappy food (or no food sometimes!!), didn't get vaccinations, and the dog was not cared for in terms of veterinary care and the dog died before his time due to their neglect and no veterinary care. I gave her money once for vet care & I was VERY clear it was for Rufus (she was crying that Rufus would die without a surgery), then learned she used it on a spa day for herself. Rufus didn't die that time so I don't even know if the sad sob story was true. I should have paid the vet directly.
I know there is a screening process and then a training process for the individual and the guide dog but I don't know the details. I'm afraid somehow this man will get a guide dog and the dog will suffer from neglect. Is there anything I can do at this point to circumvent this, should his sister manipulate this situation?
DDay: Feb. 25, 2013Trickle Truth/DDays: Sept 10, 11, 13, 15 (2013)