Carers Wellbeing Worker, Tina Hooper, has supported Betty for 17 years to care for her son, Jason. He needs support with most things like personal care, food preparation, activities and getting out and about.

In lockdown, Jason and Betty did not go out much; Betty’s health conditions made them highly cautious around leaving the house for an extended amount of time. Her confidence for driving was getting worse and she was struggling on her own to get Jason out in the community and attend social groups.

When life was getting a bit better after lockdown, Tina discussed with Betty about additional support for Jason to help him get out of the house and engage in the activities he enjoys more often. Tina supported her with a referral to Focus Adult Social Care. From this, an agreement was reached for Jason’s sister, Leah, to do some hours to assist her mother.

Tina assisted Leah to get information on where to take Jason in the hours she works with him. With this support, Jason now goes out shopping, swimming, trampolining, eating out and for walks in the parks.

When asked about this support, Betty said:

“I want to thank you, Tina, you really help me a lot.

“I’m always calling you and happy that you always get back to me.”

We asked Tina about her experience supporting Betty, she said:

“I wanted to tell this story as this family care so much for each other.

“I have seen a mum, a son and a sister grow over 17 years into a very caring family. I am so happy their situation is now working out very well for them.

“With the support I give mum and sister, this family can now work together to get the most from life for each other.

“I often get thanks from the family and I feel very proud to know them and support them.”

For more information on our Carers Wellbeing Service, visit www.careplusgroup.org/services/carers-wellbeing-team