November is a very important month—it’s National Family Caregivers Awareness Month.
Too often, people caring for family members who have a disability run full steam ahead, never getting any kind of break. Without respite care, these family members are more likely to get sick, angry or depressed.
That’s why UCP created its respite program. One of our moms, Jennifer, says, “Providing 24-hour care is exhausting, but respite is a lifesaver. We completely trust our respite worker. She is loving and nurturing and really looks after Shelby’s practical needs.”
While Jennifer and her husband run errands, spend time with their son or enjoy a date, Shelby and her respite worker spend time singing, reading, taking walks, going to the mall and the library, working on homework, playing games or reenacting fun memories from school that day.
Now Shelby is becoming more and more independent, learning to operate her wheelchair, playing on her own, writing letters, using her laptop and enjoying playing with hair and make-up.
It’s great for the kids and the parents!
If you know someone who is caring for a person with a developmental disability, make sure to visit www.ucpsacto.org/respite.htm.
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