Close Menu
    What's Hot

    CNY Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Guide

    May 1, 2025

    How to Develop ‘Momfidence’

    April 30, 2025

    Helping Your Child Cope with Seasonal Allergies

    April 29, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • How to Develop ‘Momfidence’
    • Helping Your Child Cope with Seasonal Allergies
    • Fostering Healthy Sibling Relationships
    • How to Find the Right Summer Sitter
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Family Times Family Times
    • Community Guide
    • CNY Events Calendar
    • Things to Do in CNY
      1. Activities
      2. Treat Yourself
      Featured

      Treat Yourself: Mark your calendar for Disney’s “The Lion King”—and the other Broadway shows coming to Syracuse in 2025

      By Courtney KlessNovember 26, 20240
      Recent

      Treat Yourself: Mark your calendar for Disney’s “The Lion King”—and the other Broadway shows coming to Syracuse in 2025

      November 26, 2024

      Ride the Rails: Scenic Train Rides for Families

      October 1, 2024

      Treat Yourself: Spend a day—or a weekend—exploring Inlet

      October 1, 2024
    • Parenting
      1. Pregnancy
      2. Babies
      3. Kids
      4. Preschoolers/Toddlers
      5. Special Needs
      6. Teens
      7. Pets
      8. View All

      The Power to Save a Life: Cord blood is being used to treat more than 80 diseases

      January 30, 2020

      It’s Not What It Looks Like: Reflections on motherhood’s changes, outside and inside

      July 29, 2019

      In Search of Sleep: 8 Strategies for coping with wakeful babies

      July 29, 2019

      A Surgical Birth: Many pregnant women are likely to deliver by cesarean

      July 29, 2019

      Strangers Bearing Advice: New babies bring out the expert in everyone

      August 1, 2021

      Hand to Mouth: How to help babies start to sample solid food

      August 1, 2020

      315 Bulletin

      August 1, 2020

      Name, Please? Expectant parents face another momentous decision

      August 1, 2020

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Rainbow Snowflakes: A colorful craft even little ones can make

      November 24, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      Allergy Adjustments: Parents can support their food allergic child

      September 3, 2019

      Calming Commotion: How to deal with car sickness and more

      June 27, 2019

      Introducing Riff Rockit: Kindie artist to play jingles at Leon Fest

      June 1, 2017

      What Is ABA Therapy for Autism? How To Find a Provider for Your Child 

      September 9, 2024

      A History of Inclusion: The Jowonio School marked 50 years in 2019

      March 30, 2020

      Reaching a Milestone: Now the largest chapter in the country, Special Olympics New York is celebrating 50 years

      March 30, 2020

      Come Out and Play: Move Along offers adaptive sports for youth, adults

      March 30, 2020

      Freedom on Wheels: How E-Scooters Empower Teens and Support Family Routines

      November 4, 2024

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Is Puppy Financing Right For Your Family? Pros And Cons Explored

      April 22, 2024

      Furry Friends: What it takes to adopt a pet for the first time

      July 1, 2020

      Tail Wagging Fun: Lights on the Lake Dog Walk 2019

      November 14, 2019

      Uncommon Companions: Local pet store sticks to its niche

      May 30, 2019

      Helping Your Child Cope with Seasonal Allergies

      April 29, 2025

      College Savings 101

      April 29, 2025

      Fostering Healthy Sibling Relationships

      March 28, 2025

      The 8 Best Sunscreens for Kids: Top Picks for Every Need

      March 3, 2025
    • Education
      1. Educator of the Month
      2. Class of the Month
      3. Education News
      4. Reading
      5. Teaching
      Featured

      Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways

      By Courtney KlessApril 29, 20250
      Recent

      Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways

      April 29, 2025

      Tom Meier, Program Manager and Camp Director at Baltimore Woods Nature Center

      March 28, 2025

      Danielle Maciorowski, PharmD, Manager of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY’s Patient Rx Center

      February 27, 2025
    • Crafts & DIY
      • Create
      • Holiday Crafts
    Family Times Family Times
    Home»Local Faces»Caring for the Caregiver: David’s Refuge provides respite, education, support
    Local Faces

    Caring for the Caregiver: David’s Refuge provides respite, education, support

    Kate HouckBy Kate HouckNovember 1, 2020No Comments5 Mins Read
    national caregiver month
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Picture yourself sitting on an airplane. The cabin door closes and the attendant demonstrates how to lock and unlock your belt, and then you are shown an oxygen mask. The instructions are pretty clear: “In the event of an emergency, put the mask on yourself, then assist younger passengers.” The message is simple. If you are deprived of oxygen, you cannot care for those around you. The oxygen mask is often a visual we use to describe the mission of David’s Refuge; to offer care to the caregiver.

    David’s Refuge came into existence to remind mothers and fathers who also function as full-time caregivers of the importance of self-care. These caregivers provide around the clock care to their children with special needs, but simply put, don’t take any care of themselves. Who can blame them? There is no time or resources for self-care. Everything is poured into caring for their precious children. Our mission at David’s Refuge is to remind caregivers that self-care is a necessity and must be taken seriously. We do this by providing respite, education, and a community of support along the way.

    Did you know that caregiver fatigue leads to burnout, anxiety, depression, divorce and both physical and mental sickness? One study found that the parents of children with special needs can suffer from the same trauma as that of a combat soldier. It is the daily uncertainty of your child’s diagnosis, the daily battles with the school, the insurance, the medical providers. It is the daily fear of what will happen next that will cause caregivers to feel like they are waiting for the “other shoe to drop,” and when mom and dad are in burnout mode, the family will suffer.

    The basic essentials of happiness are grounded in our desires as human beings to feel connected and to have autonomy in our lives. The caregivers we serve lose these two vital pieces when they have a child with 24/7 medical demands. People in their life pull away because they no longer know how to relate. Their child’s behavior will dictate every move for the family, and can prevent parents from having any ability to make their own decisions on how to spend their time. Parents are often so consumed with caregiving that they lose track of themselves and of each other.

    David’s Refuge was formed out of need and is working to create a solution. Our mission is to provide respite, resources and support. Our multi-service, approach ensures that caregivers and their families develop a renewed importance on self-care, and a renewed hope that they are not alone in their journey. It is our hope that with continued work, our vision to one day become nationally recognized for empowering caregivers to lead their families with strength and grace will be realized.

    Our main service offers caregivers two nights away at a beautiful bed and breakfast or hotel location. Multiple caregiving couples attend at the same time, creating opportunities to meet other parents on the same journey. Many friendships are started during a weekend retreat. In addition, we offer year-round support through family fun events like picnics, holiday gatherings and spa days for mom. Monthly wellness webinars provide self-care tips and education to caregivers from the comfort of their own home. A private Facebook group for care-givers provides a safe forum for caregivers to voice concerns, share grief, ask for help or share resources. Our intention is to provide constant year-round touches, and to continually re-mind caregivers that they are not alone, what they do matters and that God and this community love them. Join us!

    Here are 10 easy ways that you can support a caregiver today

    1. Ask mom and dad to teach you how care for all their children so that they can comfortably agree to your offer to babysit.
    2. Accept them for who they are without judgment, bias or opinion.
    3. Do not offer unsolicited advice. Instead, ask questions and show concern.
    4. Befriend families that have children with special needs. Invite them over for a meal. Include the child with special needs in birthday parties.
    5. Let caregivers know you are thinking of them. Write a note, drop off a meal, send a text or give them a call.
    6. Become educated about the unique conditions of all children you know. Many parents of children with special needs fail to go out because they fear the stares, insults and unfriendly attitudes of those they will encounter.
    7. Offer to accompany the parent to doctor appointments. Get-ting a child with special needs into a doctor’s office and situated is quite difficult, especially if the parent has another child to watch at the same time.
    8. Volunteer to do laundry, clean, mow the lawn, shovel the driveway or run errands.
    9. Give moms and dads of children with special needs an opportunity to share what’s on their heart and then listen.
    10. Encourage all parents to take care of themselves. They must keep themselves healthy in order to best care for their family. Encourage them to join the David’s s Refuge at davidsrefuge.org.

    Remember, parenting can be a difficult journey under any circumstances, but it’s especially challenging for those who provide full-time care to children with special needs. When we make the effort to tangibly show these families that we care, we demonstrate love and become a community connected. Isn’t that what we all want?

    Kate Houck is the executive director of David’s Refuge.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Kate Houck

    Related Posts

    ‘This Collaboration Has Broken Down Barriers’

    February 27, 2025

    Danielle Maciorowski, PharmD, Manager of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY’s Patient Rx Center

    February 27, 2025

    Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST)

    January 30, 2025
    Flip Through Our Latest Issue!
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    Top Posts

    2025 Summer Camp Guide

    April 1, 2025727 Views

    DIY: Make your own vibrant, paper fans in only a few easy steps

    July 1, 2020527 Views

    Host a Kid-Friendly Friendsgiving Party

    November 1, 2024407 Views

    CNY Day Camp Directory

    March 31, 2023355 Views

    Family Times Magazine publishes a digital magazine highlighting events, businesses, and content to inform and entertain families here in Central New York. Sign up for our twice monthly newsletter to have the magazine and other featured content.
    ____

    Email Us: [email protected]
    Contact: 1.315.422.7011

    Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS
    Our Picks

    Fall Activities Guide

    October 1, 2024
    Most Popular

    2025 Summer Camp Guide

    April 1, 2025727 Views

    DIY: Make your own vibrant, paper fans in only a few easy steps

    July 1, 2020527 Views

    Host a Kid-Friendly Friendsgiving Party

    November 1, 2024407 Views
    © 2025 Family Times, CNY. Designed by Crossroads Marketing.
    • Our Authors
    • Archives
    • Things to do around Syracuse and CNY: Local Events Calendar
    • Advertising

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.