Case Studies for Younger Adults Care

At Helping Hands, we provide Live-in Care for younger individuals suffering from any of 45 different conditions. Here are just a few simple case studies of individuals with varying conditions who have benefited from Helping Hands Live-in Care for younger people.

Caring for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Jemma is one of the most extraordinary people we support. A young lady, who despite being born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a muscle wasting disease, is successfully teaching Maths in a secondary school in Essex. With the help of her Live-in Carer, Jurgita, Jemma is now fulfilling her dream by inspiring others in the classroom.

She explains, “I explain my condition to every class I meet and let them ask me any questions; I try to be as open as I can. In turn the pupils respect me and recognize that being disabled doesn’t make you incapable, just because your legs stop working doesn’t mean your brain does too. Jurgita helps me professionally with the physical classroom preparation and then supports me with my care needs and social life at home. We get on extremely well together, a pretty unbeatable team!”

Jemma's mum Sharon adds "I cannot stress how important Jurgita is to Jemma - Live-in Care is essential for Jemma's independence, safety and well-being, and as her mum, it gives me total peace of mind.”

Jemma’s story was published by The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy back in 2000, when she was just 16.

Caring for a serious brain injury

Mark is a young man in his twenties who suffered a serious brain injury. Mark wanted to live independently, but still be local to his family. His desire for independence, combined with his need for a high level of care, meant that Live-in Care was the ideal option for his situation.

Mark’s Live-in Carer helps with all of his daily needs, from personal care to household management. As well as ensuring his safety inside and outside of his home, Mark and his Carer have a very busy social life and regularly visit the library, theatre, pub and church. He is also now a very proud dog owner and regularly attends evening classes.

Caring for Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy

Phillip, who suffers from Epilepsy, Acute Learning Difficulties and Cerebral Palsy, was put into sheltered accommodation following the death of his mother. A very quiet and shy man, Phillip could not read or write, had a poor concept of time and was reluctant to verbally communicate with anybody.  

In 1996, Phillip returned home in the company of a Helping Hands Live-in Carer. Through perseverance and encouragement, Phillip and his Carer slowly began to socialise with others. Together they started to attend a Day Centre, and then progressed to a computer course. As Phillip’s confidence grew, a computer was purchased for his home, he began to sign his own name and create his own Christmas cards.

He now has a clear telephone manner and is able to communicate confidently. Phillip's Live-in Carer has been a dedicated and consistent presence in his life, and supports his ongoing development in the absence of any close family or friends. Now many years later, Phillip is still supported by the same Carer, and now has an active and more independent life.

Caring for a Brain Tumour

Donna is a single mother in her thirties who is coping with a brain tumour. Donna needs Live-in support as she is responsible for her 5 year old daughter and at the moment she is unable to safely care for her daughter without help.

Together with other support mechanisms, including Donna's family and the school, the Helping Hands Carer is able to give both Donna and her daughter complete and constant support, allowing them to stay at home and maintain their precious family unit.