“I used to look after him myself, I’d give him all his care, but this wasn’t ideal as he was growing and turning eighteen,” said Rima.
“That’s why I contacted HomeCaring and told them I needed help. I needed someone to provide personal care for my son.”
In June last year, Sharmila Bastakoti from HomeCaring Liverpool visited Advik and his family. After spending time with them and learning what type of care Advik wanted, she matched him with Sesh: a friendly and gentle male carer.
Sesh worked on building a good relationship with Advik. Along with looking after his personal needs and doing OT exercises with him, Sesh takes Advik where he’d like to go, such as to the shops before Mother’s Day so he could surprise Rima with a present.
“HomeCaring has been really great for me. I used to be a pretty shy person before, but with the help of Sesh, I was able to gain a greater sense of confidence,” says Advik.
“It has also given me more of a sense of independence. Before HomeCaring I would spend most of my time at home, not going out. But thanks to HomeCaring I am able to go out on outings more often. This has been really good for my independence, as it has made me feel more confident in my ability to embark into the greater world.”
Rima agrees, adding that she has noticed a positive change in her son over the last year.
“He is happy and feels very safe with his carer. I can see a lot of improvement in him,” she says. “Conversation-wise, he is better now. He can explain himself better; he is talking well. Before doing his exercises he wasn’t able to explain himself, so I had to talk for him if we went out, but now he can do this by himself.”
Rima also appreciates the way Sharmila aims to provide flexible care, and is always available for a chat if any issues arise. “If Advik wants to go somewhere or needs anything, Sharmila will get back to me. I’m feeling much more relieved and relaxed now,” says Rima.
