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Respite is Bayden's first step to independence

Michelle and her extended family cared for Bayden 24 hours a day.

As Michelle said: “It’s like still having a five year old basically. You have to live your life in a restricted way. As much as you love it, it’s hard sometimes.”

Once our respite facility was up and running in Bacchus Marsh, Michelle was able to consider arranging an overnight stay for Bayden.

“It’s a matter of being able to trust in someone and say, “Please look after him.” Sometimes you do feel like you just need a break and if the respite facility was available, he would be able to stay there now and again.

My mum is 76. She can’t have the pressure of looking after us all when things go wrong. It is too much for her.”

Michelle could see that respite was a good option for Bayden’s development as well. As she said: “It will give him the opportunity to be in an environment with other people learning new skills and independence and developing confidence. It will give him the opportunity of growing up a little bit; not just staying home with mum or nanny or one of his sisters.

I am sure he needs time away from me just like sometimes I need some time away from him.

It would be a positive support for him not just for the family. It would be something outside of his family that he can look forward to and that would develop. It would be a whole new thing for him.”

Respite provides a much needed break for Michelle and her family.

“You wouldn’t have it any other way because we love him, but in a way you haven’t been able to get on with your life because of having such a big responsibility, because he takes up the time that a normal 16 year old wouldn’t. Most mums would have had a break by now…”

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