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Safespace question

8 replies

Graciefer · 11/12/2010 14:32

Does anyone out there have a Safespace (safespaces.co.uk) for their child and if so, can you tell me how they stop the zips being undone?

I have a meeting on Monday re a Disabled Facility Grant and I am seriously considering a Safespace for my 7 year old sons (profoundly autistic) bedroom, although the OT isn't keen. I am however concerned that my son would be able to undo the zips and therefore still be able to access the windows, warddrobes etc.

Does anyone have any experience of the Safespaces that they wouldn't mind sharing with me?

Many thanks in advance.
Grace

OP posts:
donkeyderby · 11/12/2010 17:20

Hi, I didn't want this to go unanswered though I don't have a safespace for my son (yet...he is 14 and I am finally thinking we will have to)

I know friends who have them for their kids and they do seem completely safe and they can't access anything or undo zips. I have no idea how they work so perhaps someone else can help!

r3dh3d · 11/12/2010 17:45

I should give them a ring. I think the zips are only accessible the outside, but we were looking at a Voyager not the full safespace so I can't be sure. They are very helpful on the phone.

Graciefer · 12/12/2010 13:32

Thanks for your responses, I shall call them on Monday morning.

Hopefully it won't be an issue, as I'm sure they have come across children who can open zips before.

Does anyone have any direct experience of Safespaces and in particular and advice in regards to getting them funded through a Disabled Facility Grant? Any advice will be gratefully recieved.

OP posts:
r3dh3d · 12/12/2010 16:37

Tbh all our DFG came through OT. So I'd try to get a handle on why they are not keen on the safespace and what they have used instead in similar cases. Possibly you could try another/more senior OT within your local authority?

Graciefer · 12/12/2010 17:35

I think the OT has issues with "containing him" and think that our only concern is his PICA.

Whilst we do wish to solve his PICA, we are also equally concerned with his extremely destructive behaviour, his constant banging of walls, windows, etc.

We have tried our best to make his room safe (all furniture bolted to walls/floors; mattress strapped to bed, although he never sleeps on a bed; locks on wardrobe to stop it being constantly emptied; old sockets removed and new flush ones fitted; light switch removed and placed outside of room; wallpaper removed and room completely plastered, which is still being eaten; door handles removed after being constantly destroyed; radiator relocated and reinforced to wall and covered after being ripped off several times; new double glazed window installed and much more).

However his bedroom still poses a danger to him and hygienically (with smearing and constant removal of nappies) is a nightmare. How he hasn't managed to smash a window up to now I don't know, likewise how we have thus far evaded an ASBO for all the banging disturbing the neighbours at night, is a miracle.

After watching the videos on the Safespace website, I truely believe that it could be the answers to our prayers, for the PICA, destructive behaviour, hygienically and to improve his distress through less stimulation.

Having to live with the battlezone that is our life every evening (not just a little problem with eating plaster etc), I just don't buy the "problems with containment", whilst I never thought I would have a bolt on my childs door, I accepted many many years ago that it was an absolute necessity for my childs2 safety and indeed the safety of the whole family.

As such, I shall be trying to dispel any preconceptions to the Safespace with the meeting on Monday and fighting the corner if necessary, however it is always handy to go into these meetings armed with a little extra if needed, hence why I thought I would see if there was anyone else who has been in my position on here before.

OP posts:
daisy5678 · 12/12/2010 19:05

My son is probably less severe than yours in many ways, but shares the destruction problems and, when in meltdown, tries to jump out of windows/ stab me/ headbangs too. Because of this, and because I can't safely restrain him from anything he decides to do, it was recommended/agreed by CAMHS psych that I should approach social worker to apply for the DFG for a Safespace. Meeting in summer and it was agreed; the only problem is where to put it in my teeny house. OT coming soon to assess.

It sounds ideal for your son and I wish you luck in getting it.

Graciefer · 12/12/2010 19:25

Thanks givemsleep, I wish you the best of luck also.

It's annoying that like so many of these things when it comes to our children that it may be a postcode lottery, however I am encouraged by the promptness of this appointment with the adaptations team after our first couple meetings with our OT.

Hopefully I will be reporting back something positive soon.

OP posts:
monstermansmum · 14/12/2010 23:30

i am abit behind the times here due to moving house and being in hospital..but...we have to use a carabina (sp?) clip on our safespace voyager. if we dont then my ds can open the zips from the inside. hth x

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