February 23/2/18

Hello!

Lots of changes here!

We have carers regularly arriving, for Amelia, and no one knowing in the family what to do while they are here!
It is REALLY weird.

People come into your house and try to do the job that you have always done.... BUT first they need to learn it!

They AND you are nervous!

It will take a loooooooong  time to adjust!

While the new carers are here, family members disappear to read, watch you tube or hide in a corner sleeping.....or hide.
I cannot find them, so I do not know!

I have to stay nearby and regulate myself on interrupting and helping Amelia explain things.

But after almost 2 weeks, it is slowly becoming a good decision.
(A decision forced upon me by therapists).

Amelia adores them and enjoys new ones arriving.

We will have 4/5 carers allocated to Amelia (for continuity and bonding) allowing for sick days and holidays.

I understand we need extra help with the 24/7 and Amelia needs the extra companionship and friendship.
She is seriously loving the extra attention.

I also need the help with Tom in school pick up and drop off as Amelia's school bus occurs at exactly the same time every day.
I cannot do both at once.

As we all struggle with the almost daily carer visits, Amelia loves it.....

At one stage I came in to her feet on our coffee table being painted with nail polish!

Amelia has become even more outspoken recently and is displaying even more "quick wit".

As always, introducing "new" people to her is a laugh.

"Did she just say that?" they say.

YES! we answer.

Yes she did.
Get used to it.

She is clever, witty and hilarious.
She is also very immature, squeals inappropriately and thinks penis's are hilarious.

God Help Me (on the last one!)

We have worked with her over the last 12 months to accept carers (strangers) coming to shower her.
For a 14 year old girl that is HUGE.
Naked, scars ..........and so incredibly self conscious.

We are so incredibly proud of her smiling, talking and laughing throughout the whole process.

Personally, I would have struggled......

We are currently working through a major hurdle in disability in our family.....
But the main person in the battle of acceptance, Amelia, has been amazing.

Amelia is our leader on this.

We can walk away, leave the house or choose not to speak.

Amelia does not have that option.

Carers need to work directly with her.

Amelia is showing AMAZING resilience talking and accepting others, while we try to work out hours and days for assistance.

I need to see 190% knowledge, understanding, acceptance and proof that you can care for my child safely.
One mistake and we may be in "danger zone".

A massive leaning curve for all of us.

xxx