Lanarkshire’s Centre for Early Childhood Support

Gran has kinship care of her grandson aged 4 who has global developmental delay meaning his care needs resemble that of a baby including inability to walk or talk yet. Until their break at the caravan, gran was providing all her grandson’s care needs but due to her age, she had concerns at being able to look after him and his additional support needs long term. Coming from a fractured start, her grandson has no contact with his father and his mother passed away shortly after he was born. Gran was the only family member available to provide care at the time, however his mother’s sister was interested in being involved in some capacity.  The break gave her the opportunity to invite her grandson’s aunt to spend some time with them with a view to potentially assisting with his care needs going forward.  On return, gran reported the holiday was a breakthrough for them, building relationships and identifying support needs for both gran and grandson.  Grandson also learned to walk on holiday which family are attributing to having both adults undivided attention. Aunt is now committing more of her time to giving gran a break such as taking him overnight and assisting with appointments.