[BJordan13]

Ok, so my wife and I have not been away from our son for 6 years. We take separate "vacations" also known as weekends or night out. Without any reliable caregiver to turn to, we are stuck. He is tube fed and all his meds go through the tube also. My 9 year old can do it, but leaving her alone with him, I think is called child abuse these days. Trust is also an issue. My in-laws are the number one choice of my wife. However, they are not confident enough to give him his meds or feed him on a regular basis. It is difficult to make them understand that they cannot break him. Anyone have any ideas?

Bjordan13

[fostermommy]

Wow - you have been so dedicated to the needs of your special son!! Your marriage deserves the attention that you are seeking. Do you have United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) in your area? They, and similar organizations, have respite programs where care providers have already undergone background checks and are qualified to care for your child. They often have the funds to cover all or a portion of the cost of the worker.
Does your child receive therapies? The agency that provides therapy should have a social worker or case manager who is aware of community organizations that provide respite care.
Another option would be to have your in-laws stay at the house to supervise him, and have a college student (nursing?) provide his medication and feeding needs.
Your local children's hospital should have a social worker who can also put you in touch with respite care providers. Sometimes the waiting list is long, but the best time to get on it is now.
Is it financially possible to hire an LPN to come to your house for the feeding / meds times, and have your inlaws provide the remaining love, care and attention while you're gone?
Do you know of other families who also have a child who depends on a feeding tube, and can provide a weekend of care for your son --- repaid by your care of their child in a future weekend?
Just a few thoughts that I could come up with. It's a big step for you to take, and hard to trust others - I understand. I pray that you will be successful in your search.

[punkepooh]

I work for a family p/t who have 2 little boys with special needs... It has to do with Medicare (caide?) which I think special needs children qualify for.....The great thing is that you as the parents can choose who you hire for the position and once they are approved through the state you are given a quota of hours that the state will pay for I can find more information on it if you are intrested.