Neurological care

Diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of seven, Jon has overcome major physical challenges to be where he is today. And with the help of Valentin, his live-in assistant, he is overcoming immense physical challenges every day.
“Valentin makes a huge difference to all areas of my daily life,” Jon shared. “He is always flexible and has built up a great working relationship with me.”

While Jon concentrates on his studies, Valentin is there to provide nursing care including ventilation support, cough assist and continence care.

Valentin said: “In terms of Jon’s routine, I am very confident in the care that I am providing, meaning that he is confident and relaxed too. As Jon’s main carer I can say that our relationship is very good, and I think this is mainly down to me being a young, sociable person who likes to share my enthusiasm with others.

“Jon and I are near enough the same age, which allows us to share mutual hobbies such as music, movies and computer games.”

Valentin added: “It’s extremely rewarding helping Jon with his life here at Cambridge. He’s completing a great PhD and I know that I have made a difference too.”

Simon, who previously sustained a C5/C6 spinal cord injury at the age of 19, has been receiving specialist spinal care from Helping Hands since 2000. Immediately after sustaining his injury, Simon was understandably anxious. An independent young man, he was unsure about what the future would hold and how the direction of his life would change.

“For the first few years after my accident, I closed myself off and didn’t want to do anything as I was originally worried what other people would think. However, over time I started going out to different places and stopped worrying about what other people thought.”

Now, 14 years down the line, Simon is embracing independent living with support from his permanent Helping Hands live-in carer, Anna. Visiting them at home, it is clear to see that they are a perfect match.

“When a carer first arrives, I am a little bit nervous about whether or not we will get on. I prefer carers to be a similar age to me, as then we generally have a similar taste in music and films. My permanent carer, Anna, is just great.”

Every day, Simon and Anna work well together. They maintain a routine that follows the outcomes stipulated in his individualised spinal cord injury care plan, whilst having fun along the way.
“We generally stick to the same morning routine,” says Simon. “Anna supports me in the morning with my personal care routine. Then, in the afternoon, I spend my time studying web design and photography on the computer. Being a self-employed photographer is definitely an option for the future.”