Hawa is a Downs person aged 42 currently living with my dad aged 83 in Zimbabwe. Due to my dad's age and health, she can no longer live with him and care options in Zimbabwe for her are not appropriate. Hawa has very high support needs as she is unable to care for herself. She requires help with everything from managing personal hygiene to taking medication. She cannot read or write, has no awareness of safety or ability to manage money. She also has limited speech with a minimum of 10 to 15 short phrases which increases her vulnerability. She is a bundle of fun though and has delightful cheeky nature. She is much loved by us all.
It is not a viable option for her to continue living in Zimbabwe and we are trying to arrange her long term care in the UK with us as a family. We recently applied for an adult dependency visa so that we could care for her. This cost us considerable time and financial resources. This application was rejected and we are currently looking to appeal this decision but require help with legal and related fees.
Care homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in Zimbabwe is non existent. There are standard care homes for the elderly however our assessment of care facilities in Zimbabwe is that they are not appropriate for Hawa and that she would be best placed in a home environment with us where she will be loved and kept safe from abuse and where we can understand her and provide her with what she needs.