For the past 28 years, Michael Jarowski, 60, has lived at Rosewood Center, a state-run home for the severely disabled. His doctors note a history of seizures and "profound mental retardation." He wears a protective helmet, uses a wheelchair, does not speak and is totally dependent on the center's staff for all daily activities.
Jarowski and the other residents of the Owings Mills center might soon face a disruption to their lives. Gov. Martin O'Malley has ordered the closing of the center by June 2009. During the next year, state officials have promised families assistance in finding placements in community settings, such as group homes.
Disrupting his routine could be life-threatening, said his sister Joan Druso, one of several family members who met at the center's canteen yesterday to protest the closing.
"It would be like moving a 3-year-old who has known no other home," she said. "He can't make decisions. He can't report something wrong. He can't foresee anything. Michael is so passive that anyone could take advantage of him."
Families have hired an attorney, launched a "Save Rosewood" Web site and are planning a strategy to keep the center open.
"Rosewood is the known to so many of these residents," said Harry Yost, whose 52-year-old son, Larry, has lived at the center since he was 6. "The governor is asking us to put our children's lives on the line. You would think they are sending our children to palaces, but that's not what they are offering."
A few have visited potential group homes, which they found unsuited to the needs of those who require constant care.
"I could never have a relative of mine living in the places I saw," said Lee Wilhelm, whose 79-year-old uncle, John Ruff, has lived at Rosewood for nearly 70 years. "There really is no other facility with a capacity to handle his daily living. He is severely retarded and needs help with everything, and he gets that at Rosewood."
Druso frequently visits the center unannounced and has always found the one-story brick cottage where Jarowski lives in good order and his care excellent, she said.
After looking at two possible group home sites, recommended by a state consultant, Druso said she has little faith in the state's promises. One potential site - a dilapidated home in Hamilton with an eviction noticed posted on its front door - was not wheelchair-accessible.
"If the state worker had taken time to read Michael's file, she would have known he needs a wheelchair," Druso said.
