Progarms to Help Parents Take a Well-Deserved Break from Their Handicapped Child

I understand the demands and stress of being the parent of a challenged person. Regular people, with regular children, take for granted that they can hire a babysitter or pawn the kids off on a friend for awhile, but that’s not the case for many parents of handicapped or challenged individuals. Children or adults that face mental challenges since birth can be a little less cooperative and a lot more demanding than regular kids. And if you’re the parent of a disabled child or adult, you’re exhausted mentally and physically, and you need a break.

Parents of handicapped kids often state that the reason they don’t leave their disabled children with others is that they can’t find babysitters with first aid and other necessary training, they can’t afford people who do have this type of training, and they worry that no one can take care of their child the way they can. Yet, after years of taking care of the child themselves, they’re exhausted and in need of a break.

In the past, parents with handicapped or challenged kids faced rearing the child alone, save for an occasional family member or friend that might occasionally lend a hand. Nowadays, new programs allow parents of the disabled to receive much needed breaks from their routines. The Title XIX Medicaid Program and grants through the Temporary Child Care for Children With Disabilities and Crisis Nurseries Act of 1986 provide funds for parental respite.

To date, almost all states participate in these programs to provide respite time for parents of the handicapped or disabled. The programs offer free or much-reduced costs for parents who need a break. And, the programs consider all the members of the family, not just the ones actually taking care of the child, so that all immediate family members are eligible for respite.

Most large towns offer a program that allows respite care for families of the disabled. The workers are trained in CPR and first aid, have been trained to work with uncooperative persons, and are schooled in activities that will provide the individual child with fun and excitement. Since each child is different, some may be happy to watch movies and have popcorn. Challenged kids that are a little more advanced may want to go bike riding. An individual profile is done on each child to see that they get the best care and attention during your respite.

With some programs, the future sitter will actually come to your house and spend a few hours, a couple different days, working with you and your child. This way, the sitter can get to know the child on his or her own level, have time to notice specific needs, wants or dislikes, and generally learn the nature of the child.

Begin by calling the Department of Social Services in your area to learn about the nearest respite center or program. Some programs allow a day or two, others, up to a couple of months. The DSS should be able to put you in touch with a center in your area that offers the respite services. You’re really there for your disabled child, and that’s as it should be, but even the best moms and dads need a break. Contact the nearest respite center, then stop by your local travel center for some brochures. You deserve it.