Fight for Respite

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In the light of the Government taking more and more funding away from Respite Centres, our practitioners in training have something to say:

"Respite Care" is when the child is looked after by someone else so the parent/carer can go and do something they need/want to do, like go shopping or go to the cinema.

This is important so that the child can go and socialise with children of their own age as they might be an only child.  This will also get them out of the house - and it may be one of the only times they can get out if they have a severe disability, or if the parent is unable to take them out a lot.

It is also good for the parent as they will be able to do things that they need to get done such as shopping or decorating or just socialising with other adults.  When the child goes home the adult and child will be more relaxed and settled with each other.

It is very important to have Respite Care so that the parent/carer is not just known as the one who is always there to do everything for the child, and they may be able to do ore because they may have been over-tired before the Respite.

AS
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Respite care is the most important thing for a child who is disabled because other professionals can look after the child and the child can socialise and interact with with other people apart from their parents.  The professionals can feed back to the parents if they see any problems or improvements with the child.

With the parents, it is important so they can have a break because they may care for their child 24 hours a day, and Respite gives the parents a little freedom to have fun. They can become energised by this freedom! Further, the parents can ask for training on how to support their child more efficiently by liaising with professionals.

QS
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Respite Care is important for a disabled child because they will be able to socialise and meet other children and adults and be comfortable around different people.  Parents will be able to engage in activities that they want to do such as go shopping, relax or go to the cinema.  This will help them to unwind so that when they look after their child they are in a positive mindset which will be beneficial for the child.

If the parent does not get this time to unwind they may be "stressed out", and this can reflect on the child's behaviour, in turn making the child stressed.  With the parent getting this time, they will be more ready to look after the child.  Emotionally the parents may feel stronger and more capable.

AD

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Respite Care, where the child is looked after by trained professionals for a certain amount of time, is highly effective. By having this in place it takes the pressure off the parents for a short period of time as well as allowing them to carry out tasks they may need to do.

When a child and parent use Respite Care, they are provided with care and support as a family as well as individuals.

Through the child's time in Respite - which may be a Day Nursery- it allows them to progress and achieve in certain areas of their learning and development.  Most importantly, they are in a place to allow the parents to socialise with other parents who may be in the same position as them.  As a result of this, they are able to share one another's knowledge and help support each other through what may be a difficult time.  It is commonly shown through Respite Care that stronger bonds and relationships are formed and maintained. (Contact a Family, 2011).

CW