Sarah’s Personal Health

The basic health care needs of your child should be met.  Your child may experience trouble eating, swallowing, seizures, or he may need medications according to a schedule.  In home care or assisted care by a medical professional may afford an opportunity for you to take a break as the primary caregiver.  Your interdisciplinary medical team can assist you with establishing support from healthcare providers who can take care of Sebastian when you are away.  This coverage can include cna’s, nurses, and social workers.  Doctors can also provide additional refill options for you so that you do not have to go into a doctor’s office to obtain Sebastian’s prescriptions.  

https://www.communitycarenc.org/what-we-do/clinical-programs/care-coordination-children-cc4c

Your Social Life

Socializing is beneficial for you as well as Sebastian's social development. Creating a space where you both can enjoy the company of other people and relate to them will enhance your support system and give you all a sense of a fuller life. It’s very likely that you’ll meet people at the doctor’s office, during different therapy sessions and even in your local support groups. These interactions with other families that are going through similar situations opens doors for different social-learning opportunities.  Developing strong relationships can also help you enhance your coping skills and allow you both an opportunity to make friends.

Caring for yourself is of the utmost importance.  It is admirable to be a good mom, but it is also paramount that you take care of yourself.  There are many ways to achieve a solid personal balance while still taking care of Sebastian.  “Self-perception and stress management were significant direct predictors of caregivers' psychological health but did not directly influence their physical well-being. Caregivers' higher self-esteem and sense of mastery over the caregiving situation predicted better psychological health. The use of more stress management strategies was also associated with better psychological health of caregivers (Raina, 2015).

A few ways that you can relax include exercising, reading a book, drawing or painting, take a photography class, attending sporting events, take a hot bath with salts, social gatherings with friends, and bicycling to name a few.  Anything that you can do that allows you to be creative and spend time to yourself will directly help you achieve better psychological health.

Especially for Sarah

• Digital Photography Course at ABTECH: https://www.abtech.edu/academics/course-descriptions/art/photography-i
• Bowling Leagues at AMF
  Address: 491 Kenilworth Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
  Website: amf.com
  Phone: (828) 254-6161
• Triple PPP Parenting Program: Triple P is a parenting program, but it doesn’t tell you how to be a parent. It’s more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It’s all about making Triple P work for you. https://www.triplep-parenting.com/nc-en/about-triple-p/positive-parenting-program/

Especially for Sebastian

• Summer Camps: Summer Camp Guide 2018
• Family Group Night: https://missionhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Family-Group-Night-Flyer.pdf
  you need to contact: kerri.eaker@msj.org, 828-213-0047.  We have already spoken to her on your behalf and she is expecting your call.