Customer Case Study July 2024
Customer background
Keith grew up in Bromley, Kent and had a career working in Finance for 20 years, before setting up his own Bookkeeping business in 1984, which he ran successfully thereafter. Keith used to sing in a local choir, where he met his now wife, Sharon. They married in 1977 and have been in a happy and loving marriage since.
In April 2023, Keith sadly suffered from a Stroke leaving him with left sided weakness, resulting in on-going shoulder and knee pains. Unfortunately, Keith spent 11 weeks in hospital, where he experienced poor care. He often had food and drinks left out of reach and had incorrect equipment used, resulting in him having a fall, leaving him bed bound.
The Challenges
Keith returned home, but since his time in hospital, as well as now being permanently immobile, has experienced panic attacks and depression because of the ill treatment he suffered. His wife, Sharon, is his full-time carer and they lived isolated from friends and family. Keith and Sharon made the decision to move to be closer to others, found a suitable new home, however, struggled to find the appropriate care and support services they needed.
Our Approach
After being recommended our services, Keith and Sharon asked us to help with ways in which meant Keith could remain safely at home, provide greater quality of life and support Sharon, to take some pressure off as his full-time carer.
We assessed Keith’s needs and begun by supporting Sharon as the second carers, enabling safe and effective moving and handling techniques throughout Keith’s daily life. We have worked with them to join them up with community equipment providers and since have secured Keith a new wheelchair, fitted properly, enabling him to safely be out of bed for periods of the day. Until this time, Keith had only been shown photos of his new home and garden. Through our visits, we have been able to safely show Keith around his new home, and more importantly, access his garden, where (UK weather permitting) he is now able to enjoy the fresh air, with Sharon’s company.
We offer companionship to Keith, so Sharon can leave the home to run errands or have some time to herself, with peace of mind that Keith is in safe hands. Our services have given both Keith and Sharon the confidence to know that they are not alone and help really is on hand.
Services & Outcomes
- Moving and Handling – being the second carer to Sharon, enabling safe and effective moving and handling techniques to be used throughout.
- Companionship – spending time with and supporting Keith while Sharon leaves the house and/or takes some time to herself.
- Joint-up Working – connecting Keith and Sharon with other Healthcare Professionals throughout the community to ensure Keith has both the equipment and care he needs
Customer Testimonial
“Every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 am, a dedicated Care Professional arrives to help my wife Sharon hoist me out of bed. Later in the day, the Care Professional returns to help my wife hoist me back. This routine has enabled me to get out of bed, providing me the opportunity to spend quality time with my wonderful wife, Sharon. The impact of this on our lives has been profound. It has brought us closer, allowed us to share more moments together, and significantly improved our overall mental well-being.
We are incredibly grateful for the continuity of care and the high level of support and compassion provided by the Care Professionals. Their reliability and professionalism have made a tremendous difference in our lives, and we deeply appreciate the care and kindness we receive. Thank you to all involved for making this possible.” Keith
A special thanks to Keith and Sharon for allowing us to share their story.
