Trevor’s Story: “Dad has the privacy and dignity he deserves”
Live-in care has become an increasingly popular option for individuals who require support with daily activities but want to maintain their independence and remain in the comfort of their own homes. With the option of live-in care, people can receive personalised care at home, with one-to-one support from a qualified carer.
Trevor, born in 1941, was the middle child of three born into a working-class family in Barnsley. After leaving school, Trevor ended up as a screen boy down the mine. However, he resolved not to follow in his father’s footsteps as a miner. He applied for a job on the surface while going to school, gaining a qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
“My father was lucky to retire in his 50s with a good pension and throw himself into his many hobbies. Wood working, fishing, gardening, cooking – including making his own bread, jam, marmalade, and even sausages. He was always good at DIY and could fix almost everything,” says Alison, Trevor’s daughter.
In 2022, Trevor’s family faced a difficult year after two sudden losses. Moreover, Trevor became very ill with encephalitis, affecting his ability to care for himself. After four weeks in hospital, he was transferred to a local hospital for palliative care, where he surprised everyone by recovering very quickly. However, his health problems meant he was no longer able to live fully independently.
As a GP, Alison lived several hours away, and despite her clinical background and contacts, finding suitable care for her father was challenging. She had promised her mother not to move Trevor into a care home, so she began researching other options. She found Promedica24, a CQC registered live-in care provider that offers bespoke care packages tailored to individual care needs.
Alison found Promedica24 reliable, responsive, and patient with their questions. Thanks to their quick process, Trevor was able to return home in time for his wife’s funeral.
Now G, Trevor’s live-in carer, supports him on a day-to-day basis. She gets up with Trevor to get him a cup of tea and cornflakes or toast for breakfast. She supports him to lay out the clothes he wants to wear, joins him for a bit of gardening in the summer, and they often spend their evenings watching TV together. G prepares their meals with Trevor’s help. Trevor enjoys his own home cooking and trying out different recipes.
For Trevor, live-in care was by far the best solution. He has lived in the same house for over 50 years, and he is close to friends and neighbours. Remaining in a familiar environment allows him to stay as independent as possible despite his loss of vision. With the support of his carer, Trevor continues to enjoy cooking meals and making bread.
Alison says: “Dad has the privacy and dignity he deserves and, in the circumstances, he has a good quality of life.”