Norma has a dual-caring role, supporting her daughter and her gran. Norma’s daughter Annie has autism and global development delay. Annie is developmentally at the age of a much younger child, similar to a 1 or 2 year old. Her mum helps her with personal and unfortunately Annie has arthritis so can be in pain a lot.

Annie needs constant care and support around the clock, and is non-verbal. Norma explains:

“She loves music and when often communicate through a sing-a-long! Sometimes she does object to my singing though! She loves anything sensory and loves trying new things and activities.”

Norma also cares for her gran who has Alzheimer’s disease, assisting with everything day to day, from shopping and appointments to bills and housework. Norma’s gran’s condition has worsened over the past few years and the challenges she was facing led her to contact VOCAL.

Lindsey, one of our Carer Support Practitioners, has supported Norma throughout her caring journey. She told Norma about the Wee Breaks fund and they worked together to apply for a break. Norma adds:

“I applied for funding as I wasn’t able to afford a break and I got to a point last year where I couldn’t spend time with my other two children due to Annie’s needs taking over every part of my life. Both me and my two boys – Annie’s brothers – all needed a well-deserved break.”

Norma and her two sons went away for the weekend to Perth, staying at a hotel and enjoying all the local sights. They even went to a horror show at Scone Palace! Norma said:

“The break was a huge surprise for them. We stayed up late, ate too much and were far too silly but it was amazing. This gave me such a break from my usual reality. It’s just constant at home but this was just the best opportunity to slow down, stop and enjoy some quality time together.

“Our holiday made me realise how heavy everything can be at times in reality, and that I do deserve a break. Going forward I’m going to make more of an effort to give myself some breathing space.”