Report finds deficiencies in respite care for very ill children

Respite care is not available for all children with life-limiting illnesses, according to a new report carried out in 11 counties.

The 'Respite Services for Children with Life-Limiting Conditions and their Families' report found that a co-ordinated respite programme is needed to meet the needs of 411 sick children in Dublin/Mid-Leinster and Dublin North-East.

Respite care provides a break for the families of very ill children, who often have to provide round-the-clock care.

Philomena Dunne, CEO of the Children’s Sunshine Home, stated: “Caring for a child with a life-limiting illness is a huge challenge for parents and siblings.

“Regular respite provides temporary relief from the daily demands of care-giving and allows parents to spend time with their other children. Families need the choice of taking up respite care inside and outside the home. Families have a clear preference for in-the-home respite care.

“But appropriate paediatric palliative care facilities and skilled staff must also be put in place as a child’s home is not always the most suitable location for care. This report is confined to a specific geographic area but its findings are relevant for the country as a whole.”