RESPITE
Caring for a child with a disability can be overwhelming. Simple tasks of daily life, like going grocery shopping or cleaning the house, can become very difficult. Respite care is temporary care for persons with disabilities that is intended to provide assistance to a family to prevent burnout and family disintegration. Respite gives families an important pause from daily routines, essential for the mental, physical and spiritual maintenance of both the caregiver and their loved ones.
Since not all families have the same needs, respite should be geared toward individual family needs including parents, siblings and sometimes even grandparents.
Recreation and leisure activities are also a critical dimension of the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. These activities help children with disabilities meet new friends and develop skills and competencies. Traditionally, respite and recreation are given low priority as an area in which support and assistance are provided.
“She is a tree of life for those who hold fast to her, and happy are those who support her.”
Local Resources
The JAFCO Children’s Ability Center
Serves children from birth through age 22 diagnosed with a developmental disability, including autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or Prader-Willi. They offer therapeutic services, child enrichment services, family support, respite care, support groups and parent training. They also offer Camp Kehilla, a special needs camp for children ages 3 – 22 with developmental disabilities.
Broward Children’s Center
Provides a range of health, wellness, education, recreation, therapeutic, daily living, case management and advocacy services for infants, children and young adults with special health care needs.
United Community Options of South Florida
Serves infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, spina bifida, prematurity, hearing problems, intellectual disabilities and speech delay) at more than 60 locations in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Midcoast counties.
