Respite for Parents of Special Needs Children

Tips, Guidelines, & Questions to Ask before Hiring an Agency Sitter

Aug 4, 2009 Mary King

Parents need respite time when a child has long-term medical concerns. How does one select a reputable agency and a competent sitter for the child with special needs?

A trustworthy sitter for a child having no medical problems can be difficult for parents to find, but what about the parents of the special needs child? Who can parents depend on when a relief caregiver is needed?

Finding the right professional sitter can be a daunting task. Once a caregiver agency is located, parents have a lot of questions to ask before deciding if the outside help support system is right for the child.

What is Respite Care for Parents?

The purpose of respite time is to give parents a break while another capable person tends to the needs of the child who is chronically ill, injured, or disabled. With professional caregiver support in place, Mom and Dad are given free time to go out and have fun, to take a leisurely walk, run a few errands, or even take a luxurious bath for an hour.

Personal healthcare agencies provide temporary sitters for parents and individuals needing respite services. How does one determine the credibility of sitters provided by a home healthcare agency?

Guidelines for Parents Seeking the Services of a Caregiver Agency

Parents have a lot to consider when selecting an agency for respite services. Parents may use the following guidelines for asking questions concerning professional agency care.

Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints against the agency.
Note whether the staff is friendly, helpful, and courteous on the phone and in person.
Ask the agency for references from long-term established clients.
Make sure the type of care the agency provides meets the needs of the child.
Most every business these days has a Web site. Check the agency's site. Is it organized and does it provide detailed information on the business and staff qualifications? Does it look professional and friendly? Does it include photos and contact information?
How long has the agency been in business? Has the agency won any awards for outstanding achievements?
Are the agency's employees bonded against theft or accidents that may occur in the home?
Make certain the agency license is up to date.

Additional Tips for Parents Hiring a Professional Sitter for a Child with Special Needs

Here are some additional tips parents can follow when choosing a sitter for the disabled child. Consider, for example, if the child needs a quiet person for a caregiver, or one who is perky. Note things like attention to small details, playfulness (if appropriate), compassion, and sense of humor.

Ask to what extent the agency performs a background check on each worker. A reputable agency will utilize investigative services provided by the state's department of law enforcement to ensure no employees have criminal records, including alcohol abuse.
Inquire about drug testing requirements for employees.
Know the agency's after-hours and weekend contact protocol in case there is a problem with a sitter.
Be very specific as to the child's routine, including what personal care and medical assistance the sitter will be required to do for the child.
Know ahead of time the name of the person who will be watching the child and the sitter's qualifications.
Steer clear of agencies that repeatedly have to cancel appointments or have to substitute sitters at the last moment.
Plan to stay at home for the first appointment to see how the sitter interacts with the child. Look for personality and behavioral clues that reveal whether or not the person is compatible with the child and is competent to handle the job – including any emergency that might arise.
Have the sitter demonstrate knowledge of any equipment the child uses, as well as how to safely transfer/move the child.
Request the same sitter each time once a good match is found for the child. Using the same person is less stressful for all concerned.

Mom and Dad need time away from the duties of caring for the child with special needs. Many parents turn to professional agencies to get help at home with a child who has severe or chronic medical issues. One of the most important services accessed by parents is respite care.

Recommendations for home healthcare agencies that provide respite care sitters may come from the child's healthcare provider, family, and friends. It is up to the parents to evaluate and check the qualifications of an agency before entrusting the child to any sitter. The questions and tips mentioned in this article may be used as a guide to choosing a reputable qualified person to provide respite care services.

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The copyright of the article Respite for Parents of Special Needs Children in Caregiver Support is owned by Mary King. Permission to republish Respite for Parents of Special Needs Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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