Sometimes when I have a chance to relax, I get to think about all of the assistance that we have been given with Wysdom and I know that we are truly blessed. Since I live in Canada I know that the services are quite a bit different here than in the United States. For anyone that has a baby with down syndrome or is pregnant with a prenatal diagnosis, there is lots of help out there for you. We have had access to services and to funds that help us in taking care of Wysdom's needs.
For example tonight I have a wonderful respite worker who comes into our home and provides assistance for about 8-10 hours a week. She works with a local agency called Extend a Family. We were able to select her after interviewing her and then we were able to train her to work with our family. She is a great help because she is a student nurse. Due to the fact that Wysdom is deemed technologically dependant( due to his feeding tube) we qualified for these respite funds to help us. Our student nurse comes in and helps with daily activities such as bathing Wysdom and Blyss. Cleaning the feeding bags that are used for the ng tube and even giving medication. She also plays with Blyss a lot. We are so blessed to have her help on a weekly basis. It gives me a little break, helps with when Julian is out of town like tonight and provides one to one time with both Wysdom and Blyss. It even allows me time to do things like write this blog post or do laundry.
If you are in Canada contact your local Down Syndrome Association and ask about funding for your child. Since I found out prenatally, I applied to a lot of these services while pregnant. This got me started on most of the paperwork. Check your local listings for organization that provide assistance. The contact information is different from city to city, and province to province.
- In Ontario you can contact the Ministry of Community and Social Services Ontario Disability Support Program at 519-886-4700. They provide financial support for children with disabilities up to the age of18 years old. There is no testing required.
- Contact your local Down Syndrome Association for local services
- Look for an Infant Development Program
- Look into special services at home through the Ministry of Community and Social Services at http://www.accesson.ca/mcss/english/resources/forms/ssah_app_form.htm
I have learned that there are many services out there to help you. You just have to talk to the right people and do a little detective work!
2 comments:
That must really be a blessing in disguise. Its so important to get some time off, so that we can recharge our batteries and once again give our best to our children. However wonderful they are you do need some "me" time even if its to do the laundry!!!
Wow, what great services you have. I am on a LOOONGGG respite service waiting list. Maybe when he is 5 years old we will get some. So glad you are able to get some time off.
Post a Comment