this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2026
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I have two relatives with autism that are not capable of caring for themselves.
They both lived with my great aunt and she cared for them.
They are adult men at this point. One has a bit higher functioning than the other, Dave. But I think maintaining employment is difficult for either.
My grandpa from the other side of the family hired Dave do some farm work for him and he told me it just wasn't working. Said Dave tried but just couldn't do basic things he instructed him to do. Like use a weed eater in a specific area. Or clear out some things in one of the sheds. He just didn't seem to understand how to do this . My grandpa said he felt bad but he can't hire him to do any more work.
So anyway. My great aunt passed away.
Could the two guys even cook? Do laundry?
I had seen them help with some chores around the house but only like vacuuming. My aunt was full time caregiver for them.
Also they lived across from my parents and this was in a small Midwest town. About 300 population.
So what happened is the two guys , Dave and Jimmy, were moved to government housing in the next town over that had a slightly larger population. And a social service person was assigned to them.
I know David's sister was also checking in on them regularly (she's a wonderful person and also been close to David). But I haven't heard much about them since they moved. (I also don't live in that area anymore).
I believe they both get disability checks. But how could they manage their finances? Bills? Groceries ? What are the eating ? What about Dr visits. ? Jimmy is like 50 now.
They have had a full time caregiver their whole life. Even if there is a social worker checking in and David's sister (who also has her own family to care for) is checking in, I worry they are not getting what they need. Plus they were moved out of the house and community they knew into another town.
The house they had been in, was paid for. So I didn't see why they were moved. Now the house sits empty.
About half of the people from their hometown are relatives. So now they are far from everyone.
At least there, after my aunt passed, family members were stopping in and checking on them. Bringing them meals. But no one could take care of them full time.