Quickly allayed

When Nick Cooper first turned to Caremark Kirklees for help looking after his father, he admits he had some concerns, although these were very quickly allayed.

He was worried that dad Barry, 94, would just be seen as a number, rather than a person.

“I was worried at handing over that responsibility for a few hours to someone else. That it might be to a young person just wanting to rush things through and get away,” said Nick.

“However, the opposite has been true. I have been impressed and relieved at the kindness shown – especially by the young people. They are incredibly good people.”

Barry has made clear he wants to remain living in his own home rather than go into residential care and with the help of Caremark Kirklees, Nick has been able to ensure that happens. 

We visit Barry four times a day on set days to help with a range of everyday tasks which allows Nick to plan ahead.

“It means I can get out and about, meet people and get things done safely in the knowledge that Dad is being looked after, that he won’t just be left alone if something is wrong,” said Nick,

“He has always loved sport and is quite content to sit at home watching the sports channels. Although his speech isn’t great, he has engaged with the carers and they get on well which is such a relief.”