Next Transition!

Hello, we have just reached another transition and really need some advice! My son James has DMD. He is now 16 going on 17 and is about to take his final exams and will be starting 6 form in September. James is now using a powerwheelchair, though he can still walk with aid. James is very inteligent lad and has begun to mature into a fantastic young man who knows his own mind and now craves indepdendence.

In the past when he was younger and at school I have worked part time to be able to drop him off and pick him up from school. In the school hols I have been really lucky in that my parents have been on hand to take care of James at their own home. Since James has starting using his powerchair he can no longer access their home, therefore in hols my parents have been coming here to look after James. The change we are now facing is that James wants to spend time with his friends in the holidays and really doesn’t want to be “baby sat” by his grandparents! Also my parents arn’t getting any younger and I feel I’am now asking too much of them.

Where do we go from here? Is it possible to remain a working mum and get assistance for James to become independent (not leaving home, buy the way!!!) but to be able to have support at home when I am not there and also when he is out and about.

I always assumed that one day I would have to give up work, however financially I’m not really in a position to give up my salary. I feel really torn and also feel guilty sometimes that I have this conflict of being there for my son and also providing for the family and continuing to work!! Help!!