Spinal cord injury aftercare

Tim, 40, has been receiving live-in support for his C5 complete spinal injury since September 2014. Using a hand cycle unit, he clocks up miles every day cycling around town and further afield.

Tim’s Helping Hands PAs have not only been on hand not only to assist with his clinical care needs and everyday routine, but with his passion for charity bike rides.

“The last big event I did was a week-long ride in Cuba in October 2015,” shares Tim. “We flew in to Havana and got bussed out to starting points to complete each section of the race. It was just over 400km to raise money for my charity, Regain. The main challenge was definitely the heat!

“My advice to others wishing to take part in a similar event is to stay fit and keep healthy. Working towards an end goal – like a race – keeps you motivated and gives you a reason to get fitter, which is something that’s really important for people with spinal injuries.”

Accompanying Tim was Osborne, his Helping Hands Live-in PA. Friendly and easy-going, Osborne’s personality proved a great match for Tim. His specialist training and understanding of person-centred care meant that Tim could be confident his support needs could be met whilst abroad.

Simon, who previously sustained a C5/C6 spinal cord injury at the age of nineteen, 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.”