Story: Grace Love
Pat has been a Pitsmoor resident for ten years. She has a nine-year-old son, Jordan, who has autism and learning difficulties. He attends Rowan School.
Pat is a dedicated, resilient woman where her son is concerned. She looks after him full-time, with some help and support from local family members, but despite many attempts, none from social services.
“Hardest thing is, that I don't have the freedom to go where I want when I want. I have to take Jordan everywhere with me, which can be difficult.”
Although respite care is available, Pat says she felt she was letting her son down if she ‘gave’ him to a ‘stranger’ to look after, even though they will be perfectly competent and qualified.
The most enjoyable part of caring, is the ‘love and affection from her son’ that could not be put into words, despite the difficulties