A break for you and your child
A
short break or respite care can provide a positive experience for a
child with a disability and also for his or her parent or carer. A good
short break service should be:
- based on the needs of your child
- able to give you and your child choices
- of a high standard
- accessible
- affordable – there is often no charge for short breaks services for children.
A
short breaks service can take many forms. A carer might come into your
own home to ‘babysit’ and care for your child while you go out. You
might be linked to another family or individual and your child will go
and visit their home. Your child might go to a residential unit for a
few days or he or she might be offered a befriender. After-school care
and holiday playschemes can be another form of fun for your child and a
break for you.
“I
never wanted respite for my son but it may be a good thing for him. I’d
like him to access groups where he could meet other disabled children
and just have fun.”
A
short breaks service can offer many positive opportunities to your
child. It can help him or her to meet new people, have fun, doing the
things he or she likes to do, and achieve some independence.
Using
these types of services does not mean that you are ‘failing’ to look
after your child. In fact, the aim is to help you continue to care by
giving you time to catch up with other things. You might simply want to
get some sleep or spend time with other family members or friends.
Short
breaks services enable you to relax and recharge your batteries knowing
that your child is well looked after and doing things he or she enjoys.
You can get more information about respite care and short breaks from your local social work department. You can also find information and search for suitable short breaks services on the website of Shared Care Scotland.