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Post by vickia on Apr 24, 2008 13:20:01 GMT
Our speech therapist came to see us this week and she has referred us on to the local key worker who is gonna come to see us to discuss respite care for Thomas.
I'm a bit unsure about whether respite care is for us. The thought of leaving Thomas with someone else is a really scary thought for me but I don't want to close the door on it just yet in case we really do need a break when Thomas gets older. I feel bad because I know that Thomas' needs aren't as much as some other children but in some ways Thomas can be quite demanding. I'm just so unsure as to what to do :0(
I was wondering if any of you guys had used either respite or the sitting service and what your views are.
Thanks
Vicki & Thomas
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Post by mrsdavies on Apr 24, 2008 19:03:03 GMT
Hey Vicki, not gonna be much help on this as we haven't been offered it but i'd def see what they have to say, i'd feel exactly the same as you as you don't know what the future holds. Hope you and the family are well - Thomas looks great in the pic - I cant believe where the time has gone! Hopefully someone will be able to help you out more than me!!
leanne x
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Post by mum2rachel on Apr 24, 2008 20:50:13 GMT
Hi Vicki, We have experience of using respite for our older son Jason, he was about 8 thoughwhen he first went, because t had never been suggeted to us before then. I have to say that I found it very hard at first but we had excellent transition visits, going to tea etc to start working our way up to one night away until we were all ready for a weekend. and then as he grew older we were even brave enough to have a weeks holiday with just our other children. You don't realise until you have time without your 'special' child how much you are doing for them & the demands they make on you - It's not easy letting someone else care for your child, as I was absolutely sure that we were the only ones who could give Jason the care he needs and I kept thinking what if this or that happens, but it never did . Respite care gave us a chance to give our other children time & also ourselves , my husband managed to arrange respite & care for our other kids so that we had aW/E in paris for my 40th a few years back. I think that in the future we will look to Rachel going to respite care but i don't know whether I'm ready for that in the near future. It has to be the right time for you and your family, and you should never be afraid to say when things aren't right etc If there's anything you wnat to ask me fire away. I've had no experince of the sitter service ,but have read about it seems like a good idea, maybe this before you think about respite ?? Susan
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Post by lisajg on Apr 27, 2008 19:40:15 GMT
Hi Vicki
I had a similar conversation with Harrison's health visitor last week and she's going to put in a referral form for us for respite. I spoke to my husband about it and we both feel we wouldn't want him to go to anyone for foster respite but we're going to see about organising direct payments. As I understand it you get money paid to you in order that you can pay a babysitter (could be anyone you think suitable, family member if you wish), then that gives you a couple of hours break. I was also told it's a good idea to be 'in the system' just in case you ever need respite in the future + we've just had a childrens centre opened nearby which offers respite and lots of other services like events for the children during holidays etc and if we're referred to them then we will get to hear about all the other things they offer too.
I understand how you feel though because I feel a bit unsure about it too, but it's probably a good idea to look into it anyway and see how you feel once you've chatted with the key worker xx
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Post by vickia on Apr 30, 2008 8:29:20 GMT
Thanks for the positive replys guys. I feel like such a bad mum for even thinking about respite but I just don't want to completely rule it out yet!
The key worker had to cancel her appointment yesterday so I'll probably see her next week now. I'll let you know how I get on.
xx
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Post by max on Apr 30, 2008 10:16:43 GMT
I don't think I'd consider it yet, but when he's older I wouldn't rule it out!! (in fact when he's a teenager I'll probably be begging for it - won't we all! DS or no DS!!!!)
It'll be interesting to see how the meeting goes when it does happen.
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Post by Rilith on May 12, 2008 18:53:56 GMT
We get respite with Holly. We go to the local respite hospice that was set up by the Donna Louise Trust. The respite we use is slightly different in the sense its for children that are life limited.
Holly loves it. We all go as a family and she stays down stairs in her own room and we are all upstairs a phone call away should they need us (and they haven't yet) We get to do the fun things with her and none of the horrible bits, not that there are any tube feeds or anything ATM to do... LOL
Respite was very very scary at the beginning and I felt awful and cried everytime we left her. But it does help to spend a little precious time with the other kiddies.
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