Recent News

Whatever It Takes

August 21, 2009

Providing quality foster care for disabled children is an area of expertise which Foster Care Associates (FCA) North Wales is more than qualified to support. It has an impressive carer base with the skills and determination to ensure the long term placement of disabled children and young people can be fully sustained.

Pam Gleave from Anglesey is passionate about caring for disabled children

Pam Gleave has been a foster carer for nearly 15 years, having looked after nearly 40 children and young people from all walks of life. Pam began her working career as a home carer and it was at this point in her life that she became interested in fostering.

Over the years, Pam has experienced her fair share of ups and downs but remains steadfast in her commitment to the children and young people she looks after. Pam now dedicates herself to caring for disabled children with complex health needs

Pam has fostered children with autism, profound disability and life limiting illnesses. She is supported by many professionals including community nurses, occupational and speech therapists, paediatricians, sensory play therapists and physiotherapists.

A number of the children Pam has cared for have reduced mobility which has become increasingly difficult as they develop and grow up into young adults. With support from FCA, Pam has now carried out alterations to her home to help accommodate the needs of the disabled young people. A ceiling hoist and a walk in wet room have recently been installed.

The children Pam cares for have complex health needs and often require peg feeding, oxygen, medication through a drip and CPR. While Pam is trained to administer treatment and drugs, she receives nursing support four times a week as well as through the night to enable her to catch up on her sleep and be fit to take on the demands of her day duties.

Pam explains: For me it’s all about making it possible for a disabled child to live in a family setting, whatever that may take. A disabled foster child must be valued for who he/she is and not for a list of medical conditions.

“The challenge of caring for a disabled child can be demanding but I have gained so much pleasure through this experience. I predominantly care for children with physical disabilities who often require 24 hour care. With the support of FCA and a number of professionals, a package of care is negotiated, and this works well for me, my family and the children I care for.”