Helping Karen to overcome

Karen* is one of many who have benefited from the assistance of the Wesley In-Home Respite Service. A single mother, Karen is raising her two sons, Ben*, 4, and Justin*, 5. The boys suffer from severe autism and developmental delay. Karen receives no help from their father or other family members, but manages alone with the huge challenge of providing the specialised care her sons require on a day to day basis.

To complicate her situation, Karen does not have a driver’s license and depends on public transport for the boys’ many appointments. The Wesley Respite Service have co-ordinated visits to enable two personal carers to attend the in-home visits together. Each personal carer looks after one child, freeing Karen up to have driving lessons. She is now close to undertaking her driving test.

Karen is extremely grateful to the Respite Service for providing this opportunity for her family, acknowledging what a difference it will make in the way she overcomes these obstacles and cares for her children.

*Not their real names.