Nurse Elaine shares how Julia’s House stepped in to help with a home sleepover, so great friends Ellie and Carmela could have a fun night, while Ellie’s mum and dad, Beth and Norberto, could go to a Julia’s House parents’ event.
“Carmela’s mum was away and she was staying over at her friend Ellie’s house for a few days. At the same time, we heard that Ellie’s mum and dad, Beth and Norberto, really wanted to go to a Julia’s House parents’ event but couldn’t as they were looking after both the girls. So, we thought we could step in and help with a joint respite session. We found a nurse who knew Ellie and a nurse who knew Carmela, providing the right care and support for both the girls, and went out to Ellie’s house for a joint sit.
“Being able to do the joint session meant that Beth and Norberto could go to the parents’ night out and have some time together as well as meet and chat with other parents who are in a similar situation to them. They had a lot going on at that time with Ellie’s health as well as looking after Ellie’s sister, Florence - they don’t get a lot of time together as they are often needing to take it in turns to look after the girls. Being able to have a night out just for them was really special.
“It also meant the girls could still have all the sleepover fun! Both Carmela and Ellie have complex health conditions and very specific needs, so it would be impossible for Beth or Norberto to have called on friends or family to look after the two girls. Carmela and Ellie require nurses who have the skills to provide the very specific and specialist care they need and it had to be two nurses who knew each of the girls and had the experience to support each of them individually.
