My nine-year-old granddaughter was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My daughter is a single mom with a limited income. She is trying to take care of her daughter and work. I am helping with her care, also. We’re concerned about the little girl’s care during the summer months when she’s out of school. How would we find caretakers that have experience in taking care of children with this disease? Both my daughter and I have considered quitting our jobs in order to take care of her. Her health is of ultimate importance to us. Is there a way of finding qualified help to take care of her in the summer?

Have you tried asking other parents of children with diabetes for some ideas? If your health care team has a parent support group, that might be a good place to start to get some ideas of some local resources. You could also call your local American Diabetes Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation chapter and see if they know of any local resources or local support groups. There are also diabetes camps all over the country, which can be expensive, but a lot of the camps do offer scholarships.

DB
Additional comments from Dr. Larry Deeb:

I would begin to explore summer programs at school, community centers, churches, etc. At nine, and by the summer, she should be well on her way to some of the skills, finger pricks and even shots. And, by all means, find the summer camp near you. Ask your diabetes team, the American Diabetes Association, etc. and GO. That will do wonders for her learning and independence. If you can, plan to go to this web site’s 2007 Friends for Life Conference this summer, too. (Applications for scholarships to attend the Conference are on the Education for Children with Diabetes Foundation web site.) It all does wonders to teach. Nine is a great age to learn and to begin some of the self management skills. She won’t know what to do with the information. You will need to provide directions.

LD
Additional comments from Jane Seley, diabetes nurse specialist:

Why don’t you ask your granddaughter’s pediatric endocrinologist to recommend another patient who has type 1 diabetes and babysits or let you post a flyer in the waiting room. You should also look into a diabetes camp for a few weeks. Most offer scholarships based on ability to pay.

JS
Additional comments from David S. Holtzman, Esq.:

You may wish to look into Camp Ho Mita Koda. The camp has Campership/Financial Assistance for those who qualify.

DSH