'A smile on his face': man with Down syndrome finds permanent home

After four moves in two years, Jerry Kryzanowski's physicaland emotional well-being were in steep decline.

Kryzanowski, 62, has Down syndrome. In January he was facing a fifth move. His family went public, saying the government wasn't doing what was best for him. It paid off.

NowKryzanowski has a permanent home that accommodated his needs.

Long-term care not right for Jerry: niece

Christie Gradin, Kryzanowski's niece, said she and the family felt the long-term care facilities her uncle had beenliving in did not suithis needs.

"Jerry loves family, he loves playing guitar,in a band even," Gradin said.

"He's a very social person and everyone in his hometown community definitelyknows Jerry."

Jerry Kryzanowskis struggle to find the right place to live

7 years ago

Duration 0:46

The family of 62-year-old Jerry Kryzanowski with Down syndrome says he's falling through the cracks.

Originally from Wadena, Sask.,Kryzanowskibounced around different long-term care centres, where his family said he was medicated beyond recognition. He had with family for most of his life, but needed more care due toaging parents.

Originally he moved into a group home in Wadena, but the family was told he needed more support. It was then he movedinto his first long-term care facility.

He was outside of his home community, away from familiar faces, family and friends.Kryzanowskistruggled, Gradin said. Also, the activities in the centre were morefor the elderly whoaren't very active.

Gradin said that her uncle is used to being active and busy at his age.

"He needs to feel productive and he wants to still be helpful to people and active. He needs outdoor activities and stimulation," said Gradin.

"Jerry speaks through his actions. And his actions were telling us that he did not want to live in long-term care."

His family did everything in their power to get attention forKryzanowski. Gradinsaid it took three family members, a cadre of community members, and Facebook friends to navigate the system and finally bring about some change.

In their months of work Gradin said she heard from several families that had or were experiencingsimilar predicaments and issues with social services.

"That was one thing that shocked us," she said. "Ultimately families are doing their best but there comes a time when the person needs more than what families can give."

'He's having fun'

After months of work,Kryzanowskihas moved in to his "forever home," said Gradin.

Walter Lane, operated by Light of the Prairies, is just south of Saskatoon. Jerry has found a home and environment that suitshis needs, Gradin said.

Living in the home letsKryzanowskiget outside and be activewith animals orinteract with nature.

"He absolutely loves dogs but they've got, like, goats and horses and chickens," she said.

With Jerry being used to small-town life the home is a perfect fit, according to Gradin.But more than anything,she feels her uncle is treated like family.

"We'repinching ourselves everyday," she said.

"Wheneverwe see Jerry these days he's got a smile on his face and he's having fun."