All parents need an occasional break. Often family members and friends can provide care enabling you to get away. However, sometimes friends, family, or sitters are unable to provide the care needed for a child with a serious injury. In these situations, respite services can care for your child on a short-term basis either in your home or in a residential facility. Below are some suggestions for arranging respite care for your child.
Choosing a Provider:
- Check qualifications
- Trust your feelings
- Observe provider with child
- Observe child’s reaction to provider
- Visit Respite setting
Questions to Ask Your Provider:
- Have you worked with people with disabilities; In what capacity?
- Did you enjoy the work?
- Why are you interested in being a respite provider?
- Why are you a good person for this job?
- What special training do you have?
- Can you provide your employment history and references from other families?
- What hours are you available to work?
Information to Give to Respite Provider:
- Medical history of child
- Schedule of typical day
- List of emergency numbers
- Child’s likes and dislikes
- Teach how child communicates