Kevin's Story

Sunday, 19th April 2009

A carer was referred by a social worker following the breakdown of service provision by other organisations. He was reluctant to consider yet another organisation.

His wife has dementia and is registered blind. He works full time nights but these are staggered and other organisation could not meet his or his wife’s needs and he was being forced to consider giving up his job.

During the assessment it was clear that he needed to continue to work full time both for economic reasons but for social and mental well being.

Crossroads was able to identify a Carer Support Worker to provide flexible overnight support.

Reviews of the service led to an occasional increase in hours to enable the carer to visit friends and family before going on to work.

More recently the carer became depressed following the death of his mother and Crossroads were able to support him through this with emotional support through his regular support worker.

Crossroads intervention achieved the following outcomes for Kevin:

• He is able to continue in full time employment.
• He was sensitively supported during is recent bereavement.
• He can continue to maintain social and family networks.
• He is confident that the care needs of his wife are being met.
• He now has a positive view of support services.