Saturday, April 2, 2011

Vote for my post on Mom Blog Network

Hypothetically Speaking...

Let's say you're a very VERY tired parent of a special needs child, or more than one special needs child. Let's say you have other children as well, who do not have special needs. Let's say you get an average of 1-3 hours of sleep a night, and on REALLY good days, you can sneak in an hour for a nap when everyone cooperates. Let's say there is no such thing as respite care for parents of special needs children in your area. Let's say your insurance doesn't even have a code for what you need. Let's say you've exhausted every possible way to find someone privately who would come in for 2 hours a day, 2-3 times a week and tend your child(ren) so you can sleep, shower, clean the house, or do laundry. Let's say you've been looking for such an option for over a year. Let's say that the closest thing you can find that will fit your needs (a privately hired RN) is so far above your budget and your needs, the thought is laughable..

But, you'll continue to do the research, and the paperwork and the phone calls and you'll burn the midnight oil, stopping only to switch bags of intravenous coffee products. And then, one night, in the middle of a caffeine haze, you think, "HEY! I could create something like this! I could gather a bunch of people with experience in child care,home health, nursing students that need practical credits, social work interns... and bring them together, and create what we need!"

So. You have this brilliant idea. You have willing people. Now what?
PAPERWORK! Of COURSE! Can't forget that! So. Let's say you were in charge of all this. You're the boss. What are you looking for? What would you teach the warm bodies taking up space in your living room, waiting for your brilliant instruction? What are the things most important to you, when looking for someone to assist you with your special needs child(ren)? For what length of time would you instruct them, before allowing them to learn about your child's specific needs? Would you ever allow them to be with your child without you? Lay it on me! I want to know!

Hypothetically, of course.....

 All photos in this post are provided though photobucket, of COURSE!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Depends on if "I" got to train them. Also if they had the proper background checks. OMGosh would I jump at that. Also would have to have them spend time in my home with me learning how to interact with my child. I have TONS of ideas... I have thought of the same thing also being a mom who gets on average of 3 hours a night 4 on a good day. Hypothetically speaking of course...

Tam said...

I don't know how you guys function with that type of sleep deprivation. I think I'd last about a week and then I'd go into a semi-conscious coma for several days (which is exactly what happens when I have my nieces/nephews visit in the summer).

My sister and I used to babysit for my pastor's profoundly disabled son (he had/has avg of about 20 seizures/day, mental capacity of about an infant, and can't walk on his own, he was about 10 years younger than me) and we managed okay as long as it was short periods. I got stuck alone with him during a snow storm for 8 hours one time when I was ~16 and I thought I was going to lose my mind.

They had us train for several days by spending time with them as a family and learning about all the meds and medical precautions well before we were ever left alone with him.

I guess the world wasn't quite as scary a place back then, though. And my sister and I were very responsible teenagers.

RacersMommy said...

Honestly I told the hubs last night that if his book sells I want to get some extra help here. Cause even in a two parent home 7 kids is a lot, you and I both know that. Then like you said throw in the special needs kids and its like double the amount of kids you have. And right now its been extra hard not being able to sleep and Racer waking up and being hurt and scared. The baby not sleeping or PigPen, I'm just beyond worn out. So my answer is yes if I had that option I would jump on it

Big Daddy Autism said...

Hypothetically, I think this is a great idea. My suggestion for the people who are going to be giving the care / respite? Frazzled Momma Clones.

Okay. I'm exhausted from reading this. Time for me to go back to bed.

jillsmo said...

Good for you!! I always say if you can't find what you need just make something up. Okay, I've never actually said that before this minute right here. Is there anything we can do to help?

Anonymous said...

Hey, is this where I repeat my idea of respite husbands? Do the dishes, play with kids, get coffee in the morning, cuddle up at night and take out the garbage. Wait...does that kind of guy even exist?

Post a Comment