A Dead-End
Submitted by Angie Halverson
My son, Evan, is 22 months old and has multiple disabilities. He is fed via g-tube and has a seizure disorder, which makes for a rigid eating/med/fluid routine. He is blind, globally delayed, and probably has CP. He can be a handful at times but is usually an easy-going baby. All of this adds up to an intimidating scenario for anyone contemplating caring for
him! I have not found a taker and the people that do offer their services expect “respite” type pay at $8,
$9, $10 an hour, an amount I just can’t afford. We have not yet “qualified” for respite pay through our county.
All I know is that I had to give up my job to stay home full-time with Evan. But there are times when I need a break-when my
arthritis is really bad, when I have the flu, or when I have a doctor appointment. My husband has to take off from work
because our extended family, who will help care for our son, all work during the day. So I would say for us, daycare has
been a frustrating dead end. I’d appreciate some suggestions!
