Care Journey
Beginning
David OBE, our honour to care and share David’s care journey.
David earned his OBE for his services to Transport for London. He was a senior figure in the building of the Jubilee line as well as the creator of the Oyster card system, an integral part of travelling in London. On top of this, Transport for London commissioned him with the task of making the London Underground safer.
In addition to being successful in his career, he was also a devoted husband. He was married for 52 years to his wife Joan after meeting whilst watching a football match in the Clay Pigeon pub. The two also worked together at their charity which they founded called ‘Home-Start’. Sadly, Joan passed away in 2014. David was her main carer along with their 4 children.
2018 David’s world changed dramatically when he had a stroke. A life changing stroke leaving him weak on the left-hand side of his body, peg fed, a wheelchair user, reliant on her hoist and 2 carers. David’s four children fought for David to return to his much loved sanctuary, home. They knew David needed a complex care package and others believed he should be in an nursing home. Despite his limited speech David wanted to go home.
Working together
Hampshire CCG contacted Ranger Home Care to discuss if we felt we could care for David at home. We believe firmly that we can replicate any care in the community that is possible in a Nursing Home. Hospital Beds, Hoists, Peg feeds can all be provided by the NHS in someone’s own home. The need for two live in carers was identified and with the help of his whole family David was discharged home 6 months after being admitted to hospital.
On discharge David had a peg feed, was a full wheelchair user, and could hardly brush his own teeth. All his care had to be done for him. David’s love of his family and commitment from them that he would recover and stand again meant the beginning of a rehabilitation journey. A journey of private physio, daily exercises, by Ranger Home Care live in carers, encouragement from his family and the stoic determination that David had always lived his life meant David regained enough mobility to stand for the first time since his stroke, at his granddaughter’s wedding to give her a hug.
Live-in care has also offered David the freedom which he may not have had. He said, ‘I’m so glad I chose to live at home because I can do what I want’. Having this freedom has meant that he can do one of his favoured pastimes: going to watch Reading FC. He is able to do this with his carers and members of his family. He has a mobility vehicle to ensure he can travel where he would like and most importantly David gets to welcome his huge family whenever he wishes.
Regarding Ranger Home Care, David enjoys the company’s willingness to listen to his concerns and act on them. When he became a client, he disliked how frequently we changed carers. He expressed these thoughts, and immediately this was changed.
Achieving the goals
By having choice over his own life and being able to tailor his care to his own needs, he can enjoy the freedom and independence and make sure his home remains the heart of the family.
Thank you
We thank David for telling us his story and hope we can facilitate his trips to Reading for years to come.
