Disabled Adults' Caretakers Open Homes for the Long Run

By Chris L. Jenkins Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, August 10, 2008; Page A01 When Leila McDowell-Head thought about the future of her mentally disabled daughter Layla, she kept coming up with unsavory scenarios. She and her husband were both in their 50s and knew their ability to care for Layla, 24, would wane in coming years. Who would be there for her? There were group homes, but would they be able to give Layla, whose condition is complicated by autism and frequent seizures, the specialized attention she needed? So in November 2006, she decided to try an approach that is gaining popularity: She placed her daughter in the home of a licensed caretaker who agreed to look after Layla's needs around the clock -- someone who would take on the duties of nurse, cook, teacher, personal trainer and chaperone.