Crisis in Care: Stretched families hunt for a break

In many ways, Terri Kellum considers herself lucky.

Thanks to funding from the state Developmental Disabilities Administration, the Brooklyn Park woman has the resources to care for her 24-year-old daughter, Casey Mueller, who was diagnosed with Batten disease as a child.

The rare degenerative disorder attacks the brain, leaving Ms. Mueller blind and unable to walk or talk. She needs around-the-clock care, and goes to the Providence Center in Millersville daily, as well as Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.

"Because she's considered medically fragile, she's at the top of the list for funding," Ms....