Crystal’s Bluebird, Inc.

            Crystal is a delightful young woman, in her 30’s who was living in a nursing home where the average age is of the other residents is 85. Crystal had lived independently, with minimal support in the past. She was looking forward to having that freedom again.

            “I wanted to go to the church of my choice. I wanted to visit my friends at their homes. I wanted to go the movies, out for dinner, and order pizza,” Crystal stated with determination in her voice.

            Crystal is capable and prefers using a walker.   However, the nursing home has decided that it is easier for them and safer for Crystal to use a wheelchair. When she came to the nursing home she thought that it was going to be for a very short while. Soon she would have been in the Nursing Home for 3 and ½ years.

            At the time of this interview Crystal was very anxious to have freedom for every day choices concerning her own life. She only wanted the simple things; to eat what she wants, see who she wants, watch the movies she chooses, and to go to her own church.            She has now moved into her own apartment with a roommate. She has begun a life of freedom of choice away from confining institutions that did not allow her to be an independent woman in her 30’s.