Deirdre Croft and Richard Rook: Preparing for a Future of Care
Deirdre Croft, 72, has dedicated 45 years to caring for her son, Richard Rook, 45, who lives with a profound intellectual disability resulting from a severe brain injury sustained during birth. Richard is non-verbal and requires 24/7 care.
Croft is actively preparing for Richard's future care in anticipation of her passing, addressing a scenario faced by many Australian parents of children with disabilities.
Planning for Richard's Future: Microboards and Video Messages
To provide comfort and connection after she is gone, Croft is recording video messages for Richard, who finds joy and communication in watching videos of loved ones.
Her preparations also include the formation of a legally incorporated not-for-profit association, known as a "Microboard." This group, composed of relatives, friends, and support workers, will oversee Richard's ongoing care, health, financial management, and daily living needs. The Microboard concept, originating in Canada, was introduced to Australia in 2008 by disability services advocates.
Richard's Early Life and Overcoming Challenges
Richard's birth was traumatic, leading to his brain injury. Despite a period of unconsciousness and seizures, he initially recovered, leading his parents to hope for a "miracle recovery." However, by four months, developmental issues and poor eyesight became apparent. By 13 months, Richard began experiencing seizures.
The family navigated significant challenges, including Richard's fear of car travel and episodes of aggression, which were often driven by overstimulation or fear. Filmmaker Andrew Wiseman documented their lives over 35 years in a series of three films.
The Journey of Care: Shared Responsibilities and Advocacy
Following Deirdre and her husband Charlie's divorce when Richard was nine, they shared his care, with Deirdre as the primary caregiver. Deirdre also became an advocate for people with disabilities.
When Richard was 14, he moved in with his father, Charlie, who engaged him in activities such as camping and motorbike riding. Charlie passed away in 2013, and Richard returned to live with Deirdre.
A Stable Foundation: Building Richard's Forever Home
The demands of providing 24/7 care led Deirdre to apply for Richard to move into a group home when he was 34. Although initially positive, a subsequent relocation caused Richard significant distress, resulting in eight hospitalizations over three years.
In response, Deirdre utilized an inheritance from Richard's father to build a customized home for him, which he moved into in July 2020.
This private residence is designed to provide a stable, accessible environment tailored to his sensory and physical needs for the rest of his life.
Lessons in Kindness: Deirdre's Philosophy
Deirdre believes that individuals like Richard "teach us how to be kind and how to care for others." She describes Richard as her "life coach," teaching her playfulness, patience, and problem-solving.
She asserts that acknowledging and supporting people with intellectual disabilities contributes to a more empathetic and better society. Her final message to Richard in her videos conveys deep love and gratitude for his presence in her life.