Visiting Health and Supportive Services Companions Provide Care For Children With Special Needs

Pictured: Laura and Kelly Krupa at their home in Franklin Township.

Published August 5, 2010

For families of children with special needs daily living demands constant planning, juggling of activities and working to keep a routine in the child’s life.  The result is many parents get little alone time – for themselves or as a couple.  Parents, who know their child’s challenges so intimately, struggle with the idea of leaving them with strangers.  This was the case for Laura Krupa of Franklin Township.  Ms. Krupa’s daughter Kelly is 13 and has developmental delays and special needs.  

When Laura’s friends planned a girl’s trip to the Caribbean in the fall she wanted to go, but needed to find someone she trusted to care for Kelly for a few hours when she gets off the school bus and until her husband comes home.  Ms. Krupa explained, “I have always depended on my sons or a neighbor to help get Kelly settled after school if I cannot be there. Now they are all grown and are either at college or work.  My husband and I are very particular in who we trust to watch our daughter because she has little awareness of danger or could potentially walk off our property without proper supervision.”

Ms. Krupa called  Visiting Health and Supportive Services  Neighbor Care Program for assistance.  The Neighbor Care Program can place specially-trained companions in the home to provide supervision, company and help prepare light meals.   The program is able to provide care for children with special needs, older adults and even new parents who need an extra hand.  Companions help clients take part in a variety of activities, including: taking a walk, monitoring medication usage, reading aloud, creating crafts, playing games, doing laundry, helping with meal planning and preparation, sharing reminiscences as well as conversation and basic grooming.

“Kelly is use to a regular routine and it is hard for her if it is broken.  She comes home from school and has a snack, likes to draw, plays games and enjoys feeding our sheep. I feel secure having a Companion come in because I know it is a service I can rely on and she will be in good hands,” stated Ms. Krupa. 

For more information on the Neighbor Care program call Cheryl Tigar at 908-788-2568.

Pictured: Laura and Kelly Krupa spend time feeding their sheep.