If you’ve had children, then you know that there is a certain time where you are providing care to your child 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Eventually though, your children become able to make their own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and are able to keep themselves occupied long enough for you to have a break. Each step a child takes towards independence is another step that their parents take towards freedom. While we are always parents, no matter how old our children get, there are some parents who may never progress past a certain point. If you are one of those parents who provide care to a child with a disability or special health care needs, independence may look very different.
When Caregiving and Parenting Overlap
There are many parents who have special needs children. Each of them most likely want to do everything they can to keep their child comfortably at home, but this devotion to your child can lead to:
- Caregiver health neglect
- Family friction, stress, and tension between parental partners
- Excess stress and anxiety at work or school
It is estimated that between 8 and 14% of children have some kind of disability that parents are dealing with. The highest growth rates in this percentage are from mental, behavioral, and emotional conditions. When we add the 15% of children under the age of 18 who have some kind of special health care need, it becomes obvious that there are some parents out there who need help. When you have a child with special needs or a disability, it is important to develop a plan so that you have time away from the demands of not only parenting, but caregiving as well. You need a moment to gain your freedom, even if it is only for a small amount of time each day.
How Respite Care Helps When You Are Caring for a Child
Absolutely, you can choose to have a family member or friend step in and watch your child when you need a break. Other times, though, it may become important to develop a relationship with a respite care provider who can give you professional assistance. Remember that respite care is often funded through insurance, Medicaid, or even the state you live in.
When you are providing 24-hour care for your child, it can become very important to find and train a reliable caregiver who you can depend on to help you find a few moments alone to be with your spouse, sibling, or other children. A respite care provider ensures that your child is safe and taken care of, giving you peace of mind, and relieving stress. Did you know that respite can be provided in many different places?
- In your home
- In the home of a family or friend
- At a specialized camp
- In a specialized facility, when necessary for extended care
At Homewatch CareGivers of Sterling, our goal is to connect with our community, and ensure that they are being provided with the best care possible. We provide our clients with premium caregivers and a customized care plan. We can help not only ensure that your child is well looked after, but also assist with light housekeeping, meal prep, medication schedules, hygiene, grooming, transportation, running errands, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you, so you can get the break you deserve.
