Unsuitable Living Conditions: "Residents Face Unfavorable Living Situations" (For both adults and individuals with disabilities)
Haltern: Marita Daniel, a Foster Mother for Two Decades, Shares the Rewarding Experience of Hosting an Adult with Disabilities
Reflecting on a journey that spans nearly two decades, Marita Daniel recounts her experience as a foster mother to Monika, an adult with disabilities, in their home in Haltern. Alongside her husband, Peter Howell, the couple has provided a loving, inclusive environment for Monika, enabling her to live a self-determined life.
Monika, now 49, remains silent and finds it challenging to move freely due to her physical and mental limitations. Yet, when asked where she might have resided if not with the Daniel family, she offers a firm response, "Better here." Touching on the potential alternatives—a more traditional home or living independently—Monika expresses that this single-family home, her LWL host family dwelling, best suits her.
Marita Daniel shares the story of Monika, who joined the family as a two-year-old whose parents no longer wanted her. The child had been admitted to a children's hospital with severe seizures and a large hole in her skull just three weeks after birth, but the roots of her congenital brain damage remain unknown. Despite her initial inexperience as a caregiver for a child with disabilities, Marita felt compelled to help and support a child in need.
The initiation of the Westphalian-Lippe Regional Association's "Supported Living in Host Families (BWF)" project in 2003 provided a more formal framework for Marita and Monika's unique living arrangement. The BWF model allows adults with disabilities to live as self-determined a life as possible, with a comfortable balance of assistance and independence.
Monika, now a grown woman, has become an integral part of the Daniel family, much like a loving daughter. Over the years, enjoyable moments they've shared include simple experiences, such as family breakfasts at the neighborhood bakery, holidays by the sea, and indoor activities on rainy days. Monika, ever grateful, shares that her mom, Marita, never scolds her.
Marita does not consider becoming a foster parent a difficult burden but rather a rewarding experience, made even more precious due to Monika's infectious kindness and humor. She speaks fondly of Monika's keen observational skills, honesty, and authenticity. Marita's joy stems from the progress Monika has made and the successes she has achieved, from her first spoken word to her current retirement from her job at a workshop for disabled individuals.
The Daniel family is aided in Monika's care by Daniel Schreiber, a social worker and social pedagogue with the LWL care team. Serving as the responsible caregiver for the Daniel family since 2017, Schreiber acts as Monika's "advocate," assisting with problem-solving, and engaging with Monika's employer when needed. Despite the additional responsibilities, Marita Daniel expresses her gratitude for Schreiber, who helps ensure that Monika receives the care and assistance she needs.
The LWL recognizes the importance of supporting their host families, rather than expecting them to carry the burden alone. Schreiber underscores the BWF model as an active demonstration of inclusion, as the project is in high demand but finding interested families can prove difficult. While no professional qualifications are mandated, he emphasizes the importance of a loving, open attitude and empathy in prospective host families, as anyone can make a difference.
The Daniel family, which also includes Marita and Peter's son, Jaden (20), fostering Lisa, a 17-year-old, and their neighbor, Laurina, who previously fostered and now has her own family, prove the model's success. In fact, Lisa has pledged to care for Monika should Marita and Peter no longer be able to do so. Monika's long-term partner, Udo, also plays an essential role in their family, sharing their home for three years and counting.
In Westphalia-Lippe, 700 adults with disabilities are currently being cared for in 600 host families. More host families are needed to continue promoting the benefits of the BWF model, which includes individualized care, social integration, natural living environments, and a gradual step towards greater independence. The LWL encourages interested individuals to learn more about the hosting opportunities by contacting Katrin Hermann from Münster (Phone: 0251 591-6281 / Email: [email protected]) or by visiting the relevant internet resources.
- Marita Daniel, in her reflection, discusses the rewarding experience of her and her husband, Peter Howell, fostering Monika, an adult with disabilities, for two decades in their home in Haltern.
- Despite Monika's physical and mental challenges, she expresses her contentment with her current living situation, stating that she would have resided elsewhere with less favorable conditions.
- The Westphalian-Lippe Regional Association's "Supported Living in Host Families (BWF)" project, established in 2003, provided a structured framework for Monika and the Daniel family's unique living arrangement.
- As a part of the Daniel family, Monika has shared cherished moments with her surrogate family, including family breakfasts, holidays, and indoor activities on rainy days.
- Marita Daniel views her role as a foster parent as a rewarding experience, finding joy in Monika's progress and the infectious kindness and humor she encounters daily.
- Daniel Schreiber, a social worker and social pedagogue with the LWL care team, aids the Daniel family in Monika's care and assists with problem-solving, engaging with Monika's employer when necessary.
- The LWL seeks to encourage interested individuals to learn more about hosting opportunities in the BWF model by contacting Katrin Hermann from Münster (Phone: 0251 591-6281 / Email: [email protected]) or visiting relevant internet resources to support the program's continued success in Westphalia-Lippe.
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