About Sylvia
Our client Sylvia inspires us with the way she tackles the day to day challenges that Parkinson’s brings, with support and comfort from her husband, Don. When Sylvia first met her Don, at the delicatessen she was working at she made him work for her courtship.
In fact, it wasn’t until the 3rd time that he asked her out that Sylvia finally agreed! The relationship between them blossomed and they now celebrate 10 years of marriage living in rural Lincolnshire. Here they often explore Lincolnshire’s great countryside and little market towns, not allowing Parkinson’s to stop them enjoying getting out and about.
Our Day with Sylvia
One of the great benefits we have is getting to spend time with motivating people such as Sylvia and Don. We recently went out to visit their countryside home, not forgetting to bring Sylvia some of her favourite sweets, Liquorice allsorts.
Greeted at the door by Don, we were invited into their lovely home where we all sat together for a warm chat over a cup of tea and Sylvia began to tell us about her diagnosis and the challenges that it bought.
“I have been in the hospital and I got to stage where I couldn’t get out of bed on my own. When I was first diagnosed, I was ok, then I fell twice. I was then diagnosed with Parkinson’s. That was the reason why I needed carers. I came out of the hospital after 3 months and I couldn’t do anything. I get cross at not being able to tidy and do my housework. I couldn’t cope without them and I couldn’t cope without Don.”
Sylvia chuckled as she started to speak to us about the Home Care Assistants that visit her, telling us that they are
“Very helpful, very friendly, every one of them. We always have a good laugh. We never go out without a belly laugh. One of them said Never go out of this house unless we are laughing. They are all good and will do anything for you. “
Sylvia continued with telling us how the girls have enhanced her daily tasks.
“They help me when getting dressed, they help me get into bed. I look forward to them coming as we can have a good chit chat and they will do anything for me.”
Why Sylvia Prefers Home Care...
Having spent a lot of time in the hospital because of Parkinson’s Sylvia is certain that home care is what suits her best. It allows her to spend her time in her own home with husband Don who still shows the same commitment now as he did all those years ago pursuing for a date!
“Don also does a lot for me. It means everything really, he takes me out, he cooks for me, he washes my clothes and SHRINKS them so they don’t fit. He helps me with my medication, Don is a big help ”
Appreciating the comforts, she still gets to enjoy at home Sylvia told us how all her friends still come to visit her and how it’s better than a care home as you can do and say what you like!