Respite for parents of children with disabilities and SEN, is something I know little about but want to find out more about. I have an idea I want to work on, and would be grateful to hear anyones' experience or respite or lack of it. It was mentioned to us once, when things were at their worst, by the on-call psychiatrist, but never mentioned again. It is specifically respite for parents/carers that I am interested in. I'm not necessarily looking for respite for our family, but I want a better picture of what is available, and how it varies from area to area.
If you are able to offer me any insight, please comment below, email me at mumof4wifeof1blog@gmail.com, or DM me on Twitter.
Some of the questions I have whirling round my head are:
Is it something that people are offered, or does it have to be requested?
How is it decided if parents qualify for respite care?
Is it means tested at all?
How is it decided how much respite is given?
What form does the respite care take?
Has it been a victim of economic cutbacks and reduced in recent times?
Are there any charities or support group for parents and carers of children with SEN and disabilities?
Are there any charities that already provide respite care such as this?
Many thanks in advance for any experiences you can share with me.
Susan.
Sent you an email Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen x
DeleteRespite has never been offered to me. I have two autistic children, one with ASD and a MH condition, the other with aspergers, both have been out of school for a year though my son is now doing half a day in school (with me supporting him as there is no one available to support him; another battle I have to do).
ReplyDeleteNoone seems to want to recognise the impact this is having on me or my family. We just exist, as my husband describes it. We have no holidays or days out as our son can't cope so we spend most of our days at home and whilst we try and turn this into a positive and happy environment for all of us, I cant help but feel I am missing out on doing things for me.
In reality though, I doubt respite would work as our children would not go anywhere. We also struggle with differing behaviours. Having two autistic children presents real challenges to us as they respond differently to certain situations which makes getting them to do things at the same time a nightmare.
So for me, respite is not something I even think about as I can't see how it will work for us (assuming we would be applicable which I assume not as not one professional has mentioned it). ~At the moment I'm more bothered about the lack of therapies/support for my children. If my children were well supported it would ease the burden from my shoulders which in itself would be a break.
Sorry i can't share anything positive but I look forward to hearing other peoples responses to your bog. Deb