My view on respite care.

So its a bank holiday, a nice warm one for a change.

Graces carer had a trip to the zoo planned and wanted to take Grace along, which I was fine with as it gives us more time with the other children and makes things less hectic at home. Grace was collected at 8 in the morning and was dropped home at half 5! They had a lovely time as you can tell from the pictures, it was a very long day but as I type at 7.15 Grace is still laughing and shouting in her cot.

Grace had a amazing time, they spent the day looking at animals and eating strawberries in the shade and ice cream her favourite! Ice cream is also good for Grace as sometimes she does not drink much juice, although she is getting better. I can tell from the pictures Grace really enjoyed her day there, they went to Marwell zoo. We took Grace and Rose a few years ago but they were both very small and the weather was not that great so today was prefect.

When we go out as a family its very difficult to give Grace the one to one attention she needs as she likes to be out the buggy carried about as most of the time bum shuffling around on the floor just isn’t practical. Other children are not really aware that Grace is there so is always a risk of grace being trampled on. It is very difficult at times to juggle all three children about Grace is 7 in July and its much like having a one year old physically but a three year old mentally. I find feeding hard work sometimes when out with all three children as they are a bit noisy and Grace likes a nice and calm environment when eating just like the rest of us!

We spent the day at home with the paddling pool out and the kids were able to run about and splash as much as they liked, and was able to have a picnic outside. Grace is still included in most activities we do if not all but Ted and Rose can relax a bit more and it just makes they day slightly easier.

Respite hours not only benefit us but Grace as well, she loves spending time with Ruth they have a really good relationship and we are lucky that we have someone who looks after Grace as much as we do. We get to do activities with the other two without having to worry so much about feeding schedules or having to leave somewhere early because Grace is too tired or had enough.

Respite hours are precious to families who care for children or adults with a disability, how many of you get respite hours? Have you got any stories to share?

You are fab Ruth!!

xx