At the time, Eric, who has cerebral palsy, required more than two hours of help just to eat one meal. He is blind, has severe medical problems and is wheelchair-bound with only limited use of one arm. Eric ended up living with his grandmother and aunt for about two years while his mom recovered. So with Edwards' own experience and parents like Strong in mind, Edwards this year opened Northeast Florida's only respite center for children with disabilities, in the St. Johns County Health and Human Resources Center on U.S. 1 in St. Augustine. Carol Strong takes advantage of the time afforded her by her daughter's respite care by working out.
Costs vary according to the child's needs.
Strong's daughters were the first clients. Care for caregivers Disabled children and their caregivers benefit from a respite program that gives the caregiver a chance to rest and rejuvenate. I grieved so bad when they were born . . . Now, I can honestly say I wouldn't change anything. They can say a few words, but mainly communicate through their own special version of sign language.