Being a parent can be a tough job.  When you have a child with a complex disability there are extra challenges. The demands of your daily routine can become overwhelming and leave you feeling exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

Respite care enables you to take a short break from your caregiving responsibilities, which helps you to sustain the long-term care of your child. It provides you the opportunity to recharge and focus on your own wellbeing, other family members, study or work. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of respite care for both parents and children.

Challenges Faced by Parents of Children with Complex Disability

As a parent of a child with complex disability, you face a unique set of challenges that can be both physically and emotionally draining. The demands of daily care, including managing medications, therapies and medical appointments can feel overwhelming. Additionally, it is not uncommon for parents of children with complex disability to experience social isolation, as it may sometimes be difficult to participate in some social activities due to your child's care needs.

Respite Care and the NDIS

One of the core aims of the NDIS is to better support you in your caring role. There are different types of respite care in the NDIS. You may be able to use funding in your child’s NDIS plan for respite at a short term accommodation (STA) centre such as Xavier Place.

At Xavier Place, our staff are trained to support the health care needs of children and young people with complex disability. Our guests stay with us for anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks and get to experience independence away from the family home. This gives parents and carers the opportunity to focus on other aspects of their life, outside of their caring role, for a short while.

Benefits of Respite Care for Parents

The are many benefits of respite care for parents of children with complex disability. Respite care provides you with a much-needed break from the demands of daily care, to focus on your own wellbeing, pursue your own interests, focus on work or study, participate in social activities, or simply rest and recharge.

This can also help to reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of stress and overwhelm, which is crucial for your own mental health.

Benefits of Respite Care for Children with Complex Disabilities

Respite care is not just beneficial for parents; it can also be incredibly beneficial for children with complex disability. At Xavier Place, our guests get an opportunity to participate in activities with their peers, to make friends and to experience new things. We have a full program of activities that we run at Xavier Place and will tailor to the needs of your child. Activities at Xavier Place include cooking, creative arts, music and art therapy, games, listening to music, sensory activities and so much more. We also take regular outings in the community, these can include trips to the museums, the movies, the footy, ten pin bowling and lots more!

Tips for Choosing the Right Respite Care Provider

When choosing a respite care provider, it's important to do your research and choose a provider that meets the needs of your child and suits your family situation. Some tips for choosing the right respite care provider include:

• Ask for recommendations from other parents of children with complex disability
• Ask about the provider's policies and procedures, including their approach to care and safety protocols
• Visit the provider's facility and meet the team who will be supporting your child
• Trust your instincts and choose a provider that feels like a good fit for your family

Further information

Visit our Xavier Place page or call us on 1800 XAVIER.