How Caremark Supports Physical and Emotional Health Needs
Cheryl Wheeler has required long term home care support to help her with a number of physical and emotional health issues.
She had been with a care company for a decade before switching to Caremark Redcar and Cleveland three years ago.
“I didn’t know what care was until I started with Caremark,” said Cheryl. “I can’t thank them enough for what they do for me. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I would be.”
She added: “They make sure my bed is clean and help me get ready for the day, prepare food I can manage and encourage me to be as active as possible.”
A series of health issues mean Cheryl now needs to use a wheelchair and cannot manage solid foods. Meanwhile the loss of her partner, grandmother and mother in recent years impacted her already fragile mental state.
Dog therapy is central to Cheryl’s care plan
Central to the support provided is Red the Labrador – a member of Caremark’s Pets As Therapy (PAT) team.
When Cheryl’s health meant she could no longer keep dogs her depression deepened but now the regular visits by Red help lift her mood. With use of an adapted wheelchair Cheryl is able to navigate trails through woodland, enjoy walks and days out with Red and her carer Kelly.
“Red knows when I am having a bad day, he’ll give me a nudge encourage me to get out of bed and get ready and I always feel much better then,” said Cheryl. “
He’ll stand in the passageway and look at me as if to say, ‘aren’t you coming?’”
The Care Assistants are always reliable
Carers visit Cheryl, 49, every day with Red joining them twice a week.
“The carers are always reliable, I know they will turn up,” said Cheryl. “I look forward to their visits, we have a good chat and a laugh, it raises my spirits and gives me confidence to do things.”
Cheryl’s partner Allen Dobson died five years ago unexpectedly aged just 42. Her grandmother passed away juts six months later and, in another blow, her mother, Dawn Simmons, died more recently from cancer.
“Caremark are so understanding, they realise how this still affects me,” said Cheryl.
“They took me on a day trip to Whitby and I was able to go to the Abbey and light a candle for Allen, my Nana and my Mam, that made me feel a lot better,” she said.
About Caremark Redcar and Cleveland
Whether it’s traditional home care or some of our specialist services like dog therapy or Safe Place we support a wide range of people in our community. If this would benefit you, or someone you know, please get in touch with Caremark Redcar and Cleveland today.