WHY IS RESPITE CARE IMPORTANT?

Respite care is one of the most valuable services a family can access when raising their child with autism and other developmental disabilities. This is especially true now more than ever with many working from home and children not going to school.

At the very same time, accessing respite care can be the most difficult of services for a parent to access as it concerns their own preparedness. As parents we want the best for our children and trusting someone else to love and believe in your special needs child the way you do, is not always easy.

However; once the decision is made and the correct person is found, respite care is often exactly the missing link you have been looking for.

Here are TOP THREE reasons why accessing respite care is important for both parents and children:  

YOU ARE MORE THAN JUST A PARENT

The moment we become parents is the moment that many of us begin to believe that we must live and breathe parenthood. Becoming a parent of a special needs child often heightens this ideology to the point that we believe that we are caregivers. Parents of children with special needs are more than just parents. They are people, individuals with likes, dislikes, hobbies, interests and goals of their own. Accessing respite care can help provide you with the time you need to reach these goals, explore these hobbies and remember that you too are an individual that deserve to be loved and cared for. 

TACKLE YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH

One of the many goals as parents of special needs children is to ensure that we are providing our children with the life, social and learning skills they need to flourish. However; this is something that is best done when we ourselves are fully present as parents. Caring for a special needs child can be exhausting and time consuming. Accessing respite care allows parents to tackle their own mental health and well-being. Whether that mean going for a walk, having a spa day, or just having the time to read your favourite book, respite care provides you with the mental health reset you need to be the parent you want to be.

BROADEN YOUR CHILD’S SOCIAL CIRCLE

Respite care enables your child to work with and develop relationships with other people. Respite care can be about playing a simple game, engaging in a community outing, and/or assisting with life skills tasks in the home. In essence, respite care provides a platform for your child to broaden their social circle therefore improving their overall quality of life. Working with a respite care worker also allows your child to feel empowered. Who knows! Your child may be interested in showing the respite care worker things that are important to them and their routine!

* Article written by Andrea Talpos, M.Ed, BCBA, Owner & Clinical Director of Superminds Inc. in collaboration with Erika Dourado, BSW, RSW, Instructor Therapist & Manager of Clinical Operations at Superminds Inc.