Shifting Core Concepts for Special Needs Parents

At Shift, we believe that parents of children with special needs must prioritize their own lives and well-being—not just to become better caregivers, but because it is essential for their own fulfillment and future.

 

In the typical course of parenting, there comes a time when parents are on their own, as their children grow up, become independent, and start their own lives.

 

This natural progression allows parents to gradually step back from their caregiving role and focus on their own lives.

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However, for parents of children with special needs, the weight of responsibility never ceases.

 

The constant demands of caregiving continue, often without respite, which can deeply impact their well-being and prevent them from facing the inevitable realities of life, including the fact that one day, they too will pass away.

 

This unrelenting responsibility can create significant emotional and psychological barriers, making it difficult for parents to plan for the future and acknowledge that they will not always be there to care for their child.

 

Until parents can shift their focus to their own lives and future, they may find it nearly impossible to build an effective Care Transition Plan for their child.

 

At Shift, we’ve learned that achieving peace of mind comes when parents see their child’s Care Transition Plan work in real life.

 

This can only be truly assessed by stepping away from the caregiving role—whether it’s for a weekend, a vacation, or by transitioning their child’s care outside the family home.

 

This experience is vital because, inevitably, parents will "go away" permanently.

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Not having a plan for this eventuality denies reality and leaves both the parents and their child vulnerable.

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Recognizing and preparing for this inevitability is not only responsible but necessary for the well-being of both the parents and their child.

 

At Shift, we approach this challenge not with a sense of tribulation, but with a promise—parents can give themselves permission to be GONE, to Go Out Now & Enjoy their lives, knowing that by doing so, they are ensuring a secure future for their child.