New Carers

While studying for my exam about four weeks ago, I also made some calls to get some more respite... I always seem to get a lot of extra things done when I'm supposed to be studying. Both Garry and I were reaching a point where more respite was a real priority. Karen has settled in very well as Christopher's tutor (three mornings per week), but that was not proving to be enough.

So I sat down and started calling all the respite and home help places in the phone book. I was beginning to feel desperate, as most places said they had no workers in our area. Finally I came across someone who was willing to listen, and they must have picked up on the hopelessness I was feeling. Since then, that agency has set up nine additional hours of care for us!

The hours are divided into three afternoons of three hours each. They are shared by a team of three carers, two ladies and one man. Christopher has really hit it off with them already. There are plans for woodworking sessions with Geoff; I found Pamela and Christopher checking the oil and water in the Kia, and they have plans to do some cooking next week; and Michelle is going to help with bathing Christopher (a huge help), and is keen to spend time on the computer with him.

It is such a delight to have this all set up. The agency has been so easy to deal with. Mainly, though, Christopher is happy with his new friends and we get more of a break in the afternoons. Catherine has been her usual wonderful self - helping the new carers understand Christopher's speech, and showing them where things are kept. All in all, the respite situation is starting to fall into place at last, which is very good news.