Tracy Slater, a 62-year-old woman who suffered a stroke in 2018, has experienced paralysis on her right side, along with speech difficulties and incontinence. Her daughter, Jane, aged 36 and a mother of four, including a 10-month-old baby, is her primary caregiver. The family has been receiving at-home care from Cera, which not only provided Jane with valuable time but also played a vital role in identifying signs of cancer in Tracy.
According to Jane, the carers from Cera have been exceedingly attentive since they began caring for her mother. Their vigilance was evident when they noticed bleeding and promptly sought medical attention for Tracy. Their swift action resulted in Tracy’s cancer diagnosis. Jane expressed her gratitude, recognizing that without Cera’s intervention, it might have taken longer to detect her mother’s cancer and to arrange for the necessary medical care.
Regarding financial support, Jane receives Universal Credit to cover her rent and support her children, as well as Carer’s Allowance. While her mother’s care is funded by social services, Jane would be required to contribute to the costs if her mother were to enter residential care. However, she is entitled to two weeks of respite annually, with this support partially funded by social services.
Furthermore, Jane has not encountered any difficulties in accessing the support she requires. The Department for Work and Pensions conducted a routine home visit to ensure they have all the necessary assistance in place. Additionally, Jane is awaiting a carer’s assessment to ensure that all her mother’s needs are fully met, and social services conduct occasional spot checks to ensure her mother is receiving the necessary care.
Emphasizing the impact of Cera’s care, Jane expressed her desire to raise awareness of such care schemes so that other families can also benefit from them. Inspired by the quality of care provided by Cera, Jane is contemplating a return to work as a carer in the future.
In response to the situation, Charlotte Donald, Chief Care Officer at Cera, underscored the company’s mission to enable more individuals to live longer and healthier lives in their own homes through their transformative home healthcare packages. She also encouraged those who may be eligible for a care package with Cera to contact their local authority to explore available support options.
This heartwarming story exemplifies the indispensable support provided by at-home care teams, such as Cera, and the positive impact it has on the lives of individuals and their families. The attentive and proactive care received by Tracy, as well as the support provided to Jane, serves as a testament to the vital role of at-home care services. For further updates on personal finance news, please follow us on Twitter at @ExpressMoney_.