We know that caring for a child with exceptional healthcare needs is a huge commitment and our parents and carers highlighted the following as their greatest challenges:
- Self-directed support
- Education process and rights
- Health system and rights
- Transitions (home to nursery, nursery to P1, to high school, leaving school)
- Benefits and financial support
- Stress/mental health & wellbeing/emotional support
- Guardianship/Power of attorney
- Adaptations & equipment.
We understand that as a parent or carer you may recognise these or have some other challenges and worries. It is very important to see looking after yourself as essential for looking after your child.
If you have any worries about your own health or think that you are finding it harder to manage then ask for help. In the resource section you will find some useful links. For health matters it is important to contact your GP surgery.
Make sure that you are known to your GP’s surgery as a Carer and that this is on your records. This may mean that you are offered extra health care e.g: flu vaccinations or possibly seen as a priority when ill.