By Agnes Wilson
The recent tragedy involving Daniela Dawes, who killed her autistic son after struggling to care for him, has highlighted the need for programs that offer respite care to families with a child with a disability.
The only program of its kind in Sydney’s outer west, Anglicare’s Westlink Host Families provide respite for parents of children with a disability by matching volunteers with appropriate skills.
While there are able volunteers, coordinator Val Haggett says the waiting list for volunteers can be as long as two years, and more are needed.
Ms Haggett says families who need support to care for children with a disability would be lost without volunteers. “Without volunteers we would not have a program to support parents who are really doing it tough. It’s as simple as that,” Ms Haggett said.
“It’s more difficult than you think to match a volunteer to a child with specific needs,” she said. “There are a lot of factors to take into account such as the volunteer’s level of skill, their physical strength and the child’s level of need.”
Ms Haggett also pointed out that caring for a child with a disability is physically and emotionally demanding. “The volunteer needs to realise that it is a long-term commitment and a lot of time is needed to build a relationship between the parents, the child and themselves,” she said.
Sue Dillon has been a volunteer carer for the past six years and looks after Nancy, a child with global delay syndrome.
“The doctors had said that Nancy was so delayed in her development she would never be able walk, let alone communicate.”
Nancy’s mother came to the Westlink program when she damaged her right arm. Constant care of her daughter had given her a form of repetitive strain injury that made life very painful. “I have the greatest respect for that mother,” said Mrs Dillon. “She really works hard and is totally devoted to her little girl.”
“It is wonderful seeing the parents’ faces when they come back to pick up their child. They go away looking stressed and anxious, but come back looking refreshed and rested.”
To volunteer: (02) 9832 2300.
