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Residents
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Don Dalphe and guests at
The Boston Home's annual family picnic
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It is impossible to provide a profile of a "typical" resident at The Boston Home because each resident possesses a unique personality and background and has varying degrees of ability and disability. There are only two common characteristics among residents: The predominant diagnosis is multiple sclerosis, and most range in age from 40 to 60 years old.
Many of residents at The Boston Home have college degrees, some with post-graduate work. Others were not able to finish their educations due to the debilitating effects of their disease. The Boston Home residents have backgrounds from a diverse array of careers, ranging from nurses, engineers, college professors, accountants, and stockbrokers to truck and racecar drivers!
Family situations differ from resident to resident, with some single and some married; some were married and then divorced or separated. Many residents have children; some have grandchildren. Family member involvement is highly encouraged as beneficial to the resident as well as the entire The Boston Home community. Family members are requested to volunteer, especially for resident outings.
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Residents of The Boston Home
relax after the annual MS Walk
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For The Boston Home residents, facing their disabilities is an ongoing challenge. They experience devastating changes such as loss of independence and control over their lives; poor self-esteem; and functional losses in mobility, coordination, cognition, vision, and speech. And because these changes can be variable, unpredictable, and progressive, The Boston Home residents never know what tomorrow may bring. Consequently, they are forced to confront these losses at many times during the course of their lives -- starting at diagnosis and again at each exacerbation -- as they require additional care. Many also suffer from fatigue and loss of short-term memory. Residents learn that adjusting to MS is an continuous process and a constant battle against stress, fear, anxiety, anger, and depression.
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Resident Al Gaines is introduced by his
aunt, Rebecca Hill, at his poetry reading
at the "At Home with the Arts" event.
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At The Boston Home, residents are encouraged to work toward improving their quality of life by engaging in activities geared toward their interests and gaining support from each other. Residents are empowered by the technologies offered in The Boston Home's computer center, and often use e-mail and video-conferencing to communicate with friends and family. Many residents belong to The Boston Home organizations that meet on a regular basis. These groups include the Writing Group, where they can creatively explore their emotions and writing talents in a non-threatening environment; the Men's Discussion Group for men to share their viewpoints and even have heated debates on topics of interest; and the Resident Council, where residents can provide feedback on certain aspects of their care at The Boston Home. In addition to structured groups and hobbies, recreational activities such as poker games and cocktail hours promote social interaction.
In some instances, The Boston Home residents pursue their interests to the point of testing their limits. For example, with the help of volunteer wheelchair "pushers," a group of residents takes part in the Boston Marathon and the MS Walk each year.
Despite the disruption of their family and career goals due to illness, most The Boston Home residents continue to realign their goals and face the ongoing challenges with dignity. The Boston Home residents are a remarkable group of individuals who work together with their peers and The Boston Home staff to live their lives to the fullest in a community-oriented environment.
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