WATCH Avista Homesharing Service calls on Limerick individuals and families to open homes and make a difference in the life of a child with a disability

Catherine O’ Sullivan, Avista Homesharing Lead, with Avista Home Share Host Carer Michelle Barrett and her family, and Helen Barrett, whose daughter Lily is part of Avista’s HomeShare scheme. Photo: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Avista Homesharing Service is calling on individuals and families in Limerick to open their homes and make a meaningful difference in the life of a child with a disability

Founded in 1987 by a group of healthcare professionals in the Mid-West, Avista Homesharing was established with a simple but important aim: to provide children with disabilities and their families with valuable short breaks in the welcoming environment of an approved Host Carer’s home.

Almost four decades on, the service continues to provide bespoke respite opportunities that benefit children, their families and the Host Carer families who welcome them into their lives.

Homesharing provides a unique opportunity for a child to experience another home environment while receiving one-to-one care tailored to their individual needs. A Host Carer can be a single carer, a couple or a family, with every Host Carer bringing their own unique skills, interests, lifestyle and experience.

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For families caring for a child with a disability, these short breaks can make a significant difference. They provide an opportunity to rest, recharge and spend valuable time with other family members, while knowing their child is being cared for in a safe and supportive environment.

Avista Home Share Host Carer Michelle Barrett commented “Lily loves coming here and we love having her. When Lily comes for respite the day looks very similar to any other family weekend, and Lily always joins in on whatever we do. We love to see the friendships developing with our children. This experience not only give Lily‘s family a chance to recharge but it’s taught our own children, the valuable lesson of kindness, inclusion, and thinking about others.”

The benefits for children can be equally significant. Over the past four decades, parents have shared how Homesharing has helped their children develop friendships, independence and confidence. For some children, it provides opportunities to take part in activities, trips and experiences that may not otherwise be possible. At the same time, parents can benefit from something as simple and essential as getting a full night’s sleep or having time to focus on other family members.

Helen Barrett, whose daughter Lily is part of Avista’s HomeShare scheme said “HomeShare has given Lily a strong sense of belonging, friendship and emotional security. Lily has gained confidence, social skills and happiness through being part of this busy family environment. This home sharing arrangement has provided us with reassurance and valuable respite, knowing that Lily is not only being cared for, but is truly thriving, makes such a huge difference to our lives.”

“Every child is unique, and every Host Carer has something unique to offer,” explains Catherine O’ Sullivan, Avista Homesharing Lead. “Our role is to carefully match the individual needs of each child with what a Host Carer and their home environment can provide.”

Short breaks can take many forms, depending on the needs of the child and family. They may take place for a few hours, during the day, overnight or over a weekend, with each arrangement designed around the individual circumstances of the child and their family.

During their stay, visiting children often become part of the Host Carer’s family and local community, experiencing everyday family life while their individual care and support needs are met.

Avista seeks new Host Carers in Limerick

Avista Homesharing is now appealing to people across Limerick City and County who may be interested in becoming Host Carers.

Host Carers come from all walks of life. What matters is the ability and willingness to offer time, care, patience and a welcoming home environment.

Prospective Host Carers are supported throughout the process. Avista provides training and support based on the particular care needs of the child, as well as a payment for each placement.

There is an assessment process with Avista staff before becoming an approved Host Carer. This provides an opportunity for prospective carers to explore what they can realistically offer, including their availability, location, skills, hobbies, lifestyle and level of commitment.

Every person, couple or family can bring something different to the experience — and that difference can have a lasting impact on a child and their family.

If you think you could open your home and offer a child a short break, Avista would love to hear from you.

Children’s Homesharing Service – Contact Catherine O’Sullivan 087 4132888 or Patricia O’Connell 087 1177420 or email [email protected]