Parents of special needs children: Have you ever taken advantage of respite care?

Question

My son whom is six has a severe mood disorder. His FST worker mentioned to us that she is looking into some respite care for us so we could have some time to regroup. We are nervous and not sure if we like the idea about him going into a stranger's home for one weekend a month. She thinks we need the time to think, relax, and regroup. What do you all think about respite care?

Answer 1

i also have a respite here in Massachusetts but if your not comfortable with this part of the program which by the way i was no part of nor offered ask what other services are included. we have here  mentoring , field trips  with other children  with special services, parent support and so on . just ask if the program has other opportunities for you and your child could benefit from?

Answer 2

There is alot you need to consider, I am a Medicaid Service Coordinator for people with developmental disabilities and have been doing this for 17 years.

You need to find out if the home is certified and through whom, who monitors the home and regulates the  home.  find out if you can start small with a few hours a weekend then move up to longer hours/times. You also need to know what are the guidelines if he has any issues/meltdowns (for lack of a better word) etc.  

Respite can be a family saver for some but also know it may not be for everyone. It can cause more anxiety for family members and the individual involved. A good resource if there is one in your area is Parent to Parent or Self Advocay Association can help.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

I'm a Youth & Disability support worker, many of my clients families like your are wary, when looking at respite for the first time, regardless of it being done in the home or in residential centre.

But after the first few times, they relax a little and enjoy the time away from their child, and many of the parents and the client look forward to the next respite. Respite can be either a few hours, overnight or a whole week end, I would start with a few hours, and build on it. This will give your son and your self time to adjust.

The FST worker will make sure that who ever the respite worker/carer or the respite centre is certified and qualified appropriately. You have the right to inspect the respite centre, especially if it is going to be over night or the weekend care, and make sure you ask lots of questions, such staff qualifications, their experience with your sons disorder etc.

I have one client who is able to now walk out the door of their home, with out to much concern for their child, knowing that the carer is more then capable to manage their child, and that if a situation did arise, we could ring the parents on their mobile.

Answer 4

do they have services where teh support worker will come into your home-

I use to provide respite by going to the childrens homes

can you maybe spend a few dyas/a few hours a day with teh proposed respit home with him to try it out?