Care for a person with special needs is a high physical and mental burden. Chronic fatigue, in turn, can lead to burnout, deterioration of health and family relationships. The so -called Tourism, i.e. a form of rest for guardians providing them with regeneration and care for their mentees.
What is respite tourism?
Tourism is dedicated to both people with disabilities and their carers. This is a kind of social tourism, i.e. initiatives directed for groups that, due to financial, health or organizational barriers, could not afford them. The trip is organized in such a way that the guardian also finds time for himself and takes care of his psychophysical condition. Of course, the fact that such a trip takes place together with the pupil does not mean that they spend all the time with each other. People with disabilities participating in respite tourism have a parallel program, which may, but do not have to connect with the program of guardians and guardians. The main goal of respite tourism is to improve the welfare of people at risk of exclusion and their families. It is a pursuit of resting to be a tool for equalizing opportunities, not a luxury. Thanks to trips, people with special needs can break away from the daily routine – which has a positive effect on their well -being and improves the quality of life.
Everyone needs rest
According to experts, respaleing tourism also serves caregivers who, after a few days, return calmer, healthier and greater motivation, take care of further care for their loved ones. Regular rest, even short, reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body and reduces the risk of burnout. It also improves family relations because the guardian returns with new energy. Resignation from respite tourism can, paradoxically, can increase the costs of the health care and social assistance system, because a tired carer will more and more often need help himself. Lack of rest would affect their health. This is confirmed by studies: long -term lack of sleep, stress and a sense of loneliness result in carers with chronic diseases, depression and deterioration of the quality of care itself.
“Vacation from care” – about the project
In our country, respite services are developing mainly thanks to non -governmental organizations, but system support also appears. An example is the project “Vacation from care. Model of respite tourism”, implemented by the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Disabled in cooperation with the Pretty Stories Foundation and the Spanish Fundación También. The initiative is financed from the European Funds program for social development 2021-2027 and will last until July 31, 2028. Its budget is PLN 26.8 million, of which over 82 percent. It comes from EU funds. In the first year of the project, a service model will be developed. Then he will be tested in practice – 24 granters (non -governmental organizations and social economy entities) will receive up to 800,000. PLN for pilot trips for 50 carers and 50 people with disabilities.
Investment in healthier families
Before starting to prepare the model, there will be a study among people with disabilities and carers throughout Poland. The results obtained will allow you to look at opinions, experiences and needs related to respite tourism. As part of the project, educational materials will also be created: publications, podcasts, films and webinars. After completing the tests, the developed model is to become a standard that entities providing respite tourism services will be able to use. Relaxation tourism will not replace other forms of support, but it can become a great complement to them. The introduction of a model developed by PFRON and Partners will be a test whether rest can be treated as an investment in healthier, stronger families. If so – everyone will benefit: people with disabilities, as well as their loved ones and society.
