St Oswalds Hospice

When you realise your family needs respite it is a massive thing. To actually get that respite is another huge challenge.
I cried down the phone at the children with disabilities team from work, and pretty much had to humiliate myself. they wanted to know why family couldnt help. why a nurse couldnt sit up with him in our house. why he couldnt go to foster carers. All of this i have mentioned before, and to be fair, is pretty self explanatory. Fortunately we had a team of childrens community nurses and portage workers behind us, refusing to let us buckle, and writing reports in our favour. We were granted respite.
Being granted it came as a shock. We were left feeling worried to leave him, pleased to get it, sad he qualifies for it, and generally apprehensive all at once. Thea in particular had concerns. We had a family visit and felt reassured about the hospice. Everyone seemed competant and empathetic. But still we felt nervous.

The first stay
We arrived at 2pm armed with a car full of equipment, and a suitcase, oh and lots of theas toys. We met the nurse who was to look after Nate that afternoon and very quickly felt at ease. Its strange to describe but you kind of absorb the chilled out atmosphere. Our nurse took great pains to get to know us and nate. his habits, what he likes etc. but whats lovely is to watch people make a fuss of him, to want cuddles. Most people are scared, and yes i know these were nurses but it didnt feel like that when they fussed and snuggled him and i beamed with pride.
Thea took charge of our room key after an hour of aclimatising herself. unpacked, and made herself at home. She spent ages trying on the dressy up clothes, painting, glueing and sticking, playing basketball, playing in the snow in the play area, and yes generally getting lots of attention.

Nates time there involved the sensory room, music therapy, hand and foot massages and lots of cuddles.

I stayed in his room the first night and was brave and left him downstairs and stayed in the guestroom upstairs with thea. thea, who ive discovered fidgets all night and grinds her teeth. delightful child.

We have to stay overnight until nate settles there during his stays. but we were made to feel that there was no hurry to progress to leaving him there. no pressure, just support.

We left feeling relaxed and looking forward to our next stay

Thankyou St Oswalds Hospice and everyone who raises money for them