Families suffer because of unrealistic HIQA standards

SIR, How shocking to read in your paper (June 29) that there are only 12 beds available in Kerry to provide respite care for adults with intellectual disabilities. This is a disgrace. Once again, the most vulnerable in society are being ignored.

We are parents of a beautiful son with autism. We believe respite is essential for both him and our family. Our son James, who is 25, looks forward to going to respite and coming back.

You can concentrate on the other family members when they are away. It is time out for you and also for the person with special needs. You are refreshed when they come home. You have a welcome break and they also benefit.

If we did not have respite for our son, we could not plan quality time for ourselves and for our family members i.e. nights away, holidays, cinema, going for a meal, family weddings, etc.

Parents who have children with special needs who need 24-hour care are under enormous stress ,both physically and mentally. We have to plan everything while those parents who don’t have that responsibility can go and do wat they want when they want.

HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) are closing down services because they are not considered compliant with their criteria. The service users are suffering because HIQA’s demands are not realistic.

What qualifications have these in- spectors? With the stroke of a pen, they can close a respite house and go home while the parents who have loved ones with special needs who need 24/7 care are left to pick up the pieces.

Enclosed is a special poem that every parent with a son or daughter can relate to. The author is unknown. Heaven’s Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth, It’s time again for another birth. Said the angels to the Lord above, This special child will need much love. His progress may seem very slow, Accomplishments he may never show. And he’ll require very special care, From the folks he meets way down there. He may not run or laugh or play, His thoughts might seem quite far away. In many ways he won’t adapt, And he’ll be known as handicapped. So let’s be careful where he’s sent, We want his life to be content. Please Lord find kindly parents, Who will do a special job for you. They will not realise right away, The leading role they’re asked to play. But with this child sent from above, Comes stronger faith and richer love. And soon they’ll know the privilege given, In caring for the gift from Heaven. Their precious charge so meek and mild,

Is Heaven’s very special child. Sincerely, Jimmy Adams, Oakpark, Tralee.