Meet the Pickworth's and read their Live-in Care story
Sheila Pickworth has been receiving Live-in Care from Helping Hands since February 2010, due to having the condition MSA (Multiple System Atrophy, a progressive neurological disorder that affects adult men and women) which severely affects Sheila’s mobility. Prior to this, Sheila and her husband John received hourly care but this had to change when John needed to go into hospital for an operation. In order to recuperate from the operation, John and Sheila chose to go into residential respite care.
Despite the care home being competent and comfortable, Sheila and John wanted to return to their home of 40 years and regain their independence. Finding out about Live-in Care via a friend, John contacted Helping Hands:
"I was very impressed with the level of service we received right from the start; the assessor came to see us while we were in residential care and talked through the option of Live-in Care and how it could work for us. We loved the idea that this would allow us to regain control of our lives, that we would be able to choose when to get up or have dinner, that we would be able to do what we wanted when we wanted."
John and Sheila are cared for by Krista, John describes Krista as being not only very kind and thoughtful but also able to deal with care in an intelligent manner, she is enthusiastic and good company. Krista also shares the same sense of humour as Sheila which means they enjoy spending time together watching DVD’s. Krista prepares all the meals for John and Sheila, she has a good understanding of nutrition and prepares a variety of soups and stews.
Having Krista living with John and Sheila has made the world of difference to them both, not only are they able to rely on her but she gives them peace of mind.
John commented:
"I would recommend Live-in Care to anyone; we have been really surprised how un-intrusive the carers have been. Having Krista here has allowed Sheila and me to continue to stay in our family home with the support we need; we really enjoy having her here."
