Respite Care? What Respite Care?

Just when I think I've found another replacement for another replacement, everything backfires on me. What a frustrating few (?) weeks it has been.

My regular respite worker has taken an indefinite leave of absence due to family illness. I completely understand that and wish her the absolute best. When the agency called to notify me of this many, MANY weeks ago, they stressed the importance of finding someone extremely reliable and who was able to deal with a child who has special needs outside of the "austistic" spectrum.

All of the replacements that have shown up appear to be very nice and able to effectively deal with Raquel for 4 hours once per week. At least that is what the agency tells me. All have been very polite and obviously "kid" people, and Raquel has appeared to take to each of them - probably because she's used to her previous therapists coming and going on a daily basis. Each of them seem fine when leaving, telling me how great Raquel is/was during their shift, and then I get the call from the agency saying they won't be back.

Take today for example. I came home to find a sleeping Raquel and what appeared to be a very content respite worker. She took her for a walk, went on the swing, got her to sleep and all was well. She said she wasn't a problem at all, didn't have any issues, etc. and looked forward to seeing us again on Wednesday (I get to have two days this week because I haven't had care for so long). Then I get the call from the agency stating that it's not going to work, that Raquel was too difficult, and that they need to find a better match. I was very surprised - especially considering I asked about her behavior issues and she said she was not a problem. I asked the agency specifically what she found was so difficult and was told that at one point Raquel became aggitated and began kicking her feet on the ground. I know I've been dealing with Raquel's behaviors for a long time, but this is Sensory 101 here. If you are told you are going to be watching a child with sensory issues, you really should know how to redirect the behavior.

I then asked about the other "replacements" and was told we were too far away, the day/time interferes with their school schedules, etc. etc. etc. SO FRUSTRATING. Again, back to square one. And I really don't like having different people in the house all the time. Typically when a new person starts, I make sure Gabby is home to help - and so she can tell me how it really went. But, I have to pay for them watching Gabby so that takes out of the whole respite being a relief. Plus, Gabby is back in school so this is no longer an option.

I also spoke with Regional today. They called to let me know that due to budget cuts, I no longer have my Educational Consultant, Bev, who was a tremendous help to me during the transition from therapy to the school district system.

And speaking of the school district, they still have not returned my call from the first week of August when I asked for a meeting to discuss Raquel's placement prior to the start of school. Of course, I'm not surprised.

Daycare down the street didn't start either since I don't have a respite worker that can attend class with her. Or one that effectively knows how to redirect her for that matter. The whole point of one going with her was to show them how to handle the behaviors, but until I can find someone who can deal with them on their own, there is no sense for me to waste not only money on daycare costs but also use up a day of much needed respite care.

Feeling pretty beat up today, but on a very positive note, had a great first teacher conference with Gabby this morning. Got some great input and advice, and Gabby really made me proud showing off all she's learned over the first 5 weeks of school!

Looking forward to a relaxing night with the family - and promising myself to take things one day at a time.