Respite providers treasure "extended" family

Sara and Dean Isaacson have a close-knit family. They and their two boys, 15-year-old Grant and 13-year-old Cole, enjoy the time they spend together tending the animals and exploring the surrounding woods on their farm outside Madrid. And, like many families, they look forward to the occasional vacation at Lake Okoboji.

There is one detail that makes these seemingly normal family outings a little out of the ordinary—to the unknowing eye, it appears as though the Isaacsons have three children. Or four or five, depending on the weekend.

The Isaacsons are an LSI respite family. On the weekends, they provide families with children with disabilities a break from the daily grind. The children stay at their farm and are included in all the family's usual activities.

"On our farm we spend animal contact time with horses, elk, cats, dogs, chickens and ducks," Dean said. "Some of the children like to explore in the woods with us or visit our little cabin. We go to Ames, Des Moines, Ankeny and Boone running errands, attending the zoo, playing in parks, shopping, eating out and a host of activities depending on the time of year."

The Isaacsons first became an LSI respite family about five years ago. With a schedule too busy to accommodate foster care, Dean, Sara, Grant and Cole decided that respite care was the perfect fit. Looking back, they have no regrets about their decision.

"We are impressed with LSI's respite program, the LSI staff that we work with and how everyone's focus is toward the children," Dean said.

Currently the Isaacsons host eight respite children. Although some children come less frequently, most visit once a month, which means the respite providers have a full house almost every weekend.

"The respite care has been great for the boys," Dean added. "They play a very active role with our respite guests. The boys and their friends include them with activities, and the guests are treated as part of our family."

Just like they have with their sons, Sara and Dean try to provide the respite children with parenting and guidance that will teach them essential life skills. The couple especially focuses on listening, communication, sharing, courtesy and responsibility.

"We try to build up their confidence in themselves and build up their abilities," Dean said.

As for the benefits for them, the Isaacsons truly cherish the times they spend with the respite children. Knowing that they are helping these children improve and enjoy life is the greatest reward of all.

"Some of the skills that we've worked with we believe, or at least hope, have added to their success," Dean said. "We simply believe in working hard and enjoying life to the fullest that we can."

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