‘Making a Home’ is a book exploring the author’s idea, struggles and determination to create an alternative home for young disabled people who were finding themselves having to live in care homes for elderly people. Jen Powley, who herself has Multiple Sclerosis, explores the current reality of many young disabled people in Canada (the main focus is Nova Scotia) who end up in nursing homes. She looks at how there are better solutions out there that provide dignity and allow people to live their lives how they want to

on their own terms. She herself creates a home that uses a shared attendant service where people can live together in a flatshare type situation. This is far from straight forward though and she shares with the reader the obstacles along the way to make this happen. 

I was really interested to read this book as someone who has had to consider going into a care/nursing home due to disability despite being young. While not living in Canada the number of similarities of the obstacles of getting care and support to live the life you want is very similar. Her solution was very thought provoking as it does make you stop and wonder if this was to be replicated what a difference it could make. I found it particularly interesting to read, bureaucracy aside, of some of the challenges of adjusting from institutional living to a home again and also having to change from someone who employs others to also the role of a housemate.

A brilliant book for those involved in disability activism and rights, social and care work and also for disabled people too, to give hope that there are alternative solutions out there that hopefully will become possible everywhere. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.