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Home : Treatments
: Respite : Benefits
of Respite
Benefits of Respite "I can't
say it enough...without these saviors in our lives, we wouldn't be a
tenth of where we are today. I strongly encourage you to reach out and get
the help you can, and take the breaks you deserve!"
Fun afternoon with the family
When I
was growing up my mother worked nights as my father worked days...when I'd get upset because
I'd "never see them" my mother used to say "it's not the quantity,
it's the quality of time we spend together that counts". I still have
such vivid memories of the Saturday afternoons we'd spend together as a
family. Mom would take us hiking through forests and pointed out every
type of plant, bird and insect. Dad would take us fishing and let me control the
motor boat as Mom pointed out the beautiful sunset...they taught us patience, responsibility,
and appreciation in those short spurts of quality time. Visit our Fun
Stuff page, let your child help choose, and go have fun!
Respite Worker
In addition to Family
Day...we had a respite worker through Metropolitan Family Services. Respite workers
spend time with the child to give parents the break that we all deserve. My grandson was matched with the most
awesome worker. She attended his therapy sessions to watch and learn
how to reinforce the techniques during their time together. She
always found fun and educational activities to
do for every visit. She took him to McDonald's to
interact with other children and practice his social skills. She
took him to Children's Museums and activities to practice his sensory
integration and fine motor skills. He counted the days between their
visits. As they were off learning, so was Nana...I was able to attend
educational classes, do a self study course, do research at the library,
etc. I was also able to take time to organize all his paperwork into a
rolling briefcase.
Unfortunately, due to the recent government budget cuts, the respite
program is no longer available through Metropolitan Family Services,
however, I understand respite grants are sometimes available through the Ray
Graham Center.
My grandson and his respite worker may have celebrated their last days together, but my grandson has
lots of vivid awesome memories. As a going away gift, he bought her a fishing pole
and a butterfly net and took her fishing and frog hunting! He now loves to
fish and frog
hunt...we even caught one and he holds him as
tight as his memories...thank you Ms. Malissa!
NEDSRA Leisure Buddy
Leisure Buddies are fully trained
professionals with a special place in their heart for children like ours.
They work one on one with our children to assist them in anything they
try. Not only do leisure buddies
help children succeed in park district programs like swimming, dance,
baseball, etc...but our NEDSRA worker made inclusion in a park
district daycare program and summer camp possible!
Time with your siblings
Last, but never
least...I go to one of my sisters. Both of them can read me like a book
when I'm stressed. The one starts a cup of tea for me, and sets up the
grandkids to play in her family room. Then she patiently sits with
me with an open heart and mind. As I share, she gives me new
perspectives and rekindles my hope and strength.
My other sister invites
my grandson and I into her back yard. She openly shares her
experiences raising her 5 children as a young widow, and shares her
memories of how my parents raised all of us while they both worked, she
has a natural way to rebuild my determination. Her home is filled with serenity and
joyous memories of my childhood, and her arms are always filled with love.
I am blessed!
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