The Benefits Respite Care Offers To Children With Disabilities

Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has a noble goal, helping people with disabilities to lead the most fulfilling, independent lives they possibly can. While the media focus has generally been on adults, the program also helps Australian children with disabilities, who number upwards of 330,000! One of the NDIS’s biggest successes has been respite care, a program designed to give people suffering from disabilities a chance to have a change of scenery, learn new skills, make new friends, and give their regular caregivers some time off to take care of themselves!

Having a child with a disability puts tremendous strain on parents and other family members, who desperately want their child to be happy and able to enjoy life. It can be exhausting, but fortunately, there is help available in the form of disability respite care in which a qualified caregiver other than the family or regular caregivers temporarily looks after the child. This respite is available to children with disabilities that are physical as well as emotional, such as autism.

Respite care is very flexible, it can be in increments of just a few hours a day, overnight, or for longer periods such as a few weeks at a time. It is possible for a family to take part in respite care only on occasion, or regularly. In addition, the child can receive their care at home, or they can stay in a respite facility.

Respite care for children has proven to be beneficial to both the child and their families. Everybody needs a break sometimes, and too often, the care and lifestyle of a disabled child turns into a dull routine, one that can grow tiresome to all involved. Respite care gives the parents a chance to recharge and look after themselves and have some time off to socialize with friends, enjoy a night out, or have a holiday. Taking a break with the help of respite provides an opportunity for parents to spend more time together without having to worry about their disabled child’s well-being, comfortable in the knowledge that they are safe and well cared for. Respite care also allows the child to have a break from routine, giving them a chance to develop new skills and enjoy a bit of independence.

There are a range of respite options for respite care depending on the individual’s situation and needs:

In-home Respite – A caregiver visits the home to take care of the child. This can be for a day, overnight, or for longer periods. The caregiver may take the child out of the home for a few hours to do some activity the child is interested in.
Center-based Respite: The child visits a center to receive care; again, the amount of time is flexible. Activities and outings are planned to stimulate the child.
Short-term Accommodation: The child stays at a respite residence overnight or longer, receiving care, doing activities, and socializing.

The Australian Government has more information on respite care for parents of disabled children. Respite care is a great way for children with disabilities, their families, and their regular caregivers to recharge and refresh themselves; it’s a win-win for everyone!