"The last two years…"

Two years ago I came back to the UK to look after my mother - who is in her 90s - as my father had died and brother had been killed in an accident. Within months my husband was diagnosed with vascular Parkinson's, which rapidly  became worse. He now has multiple challenges and following a bout of pneumonia, where I worked hard to keep him out of hospital, he is sadly still bedridden and unable to get up. My mother has mobility issues, hearing  and balance problems along with memory lapses. 

I have been helped so much, especially by OT .. Petersfield . I have hospital beds for both my mother and husband, a hoist and most recently, an air mattress. I have had help with multiple problems , ranging from visiting nurses to dress bruises and cuts from Mum falling, to help with my husband's decreasing mobility and ultimate bed ridden status. Presently dealing with pressure sores and possible end of life journey. 

The last two years have been exhausting as I have been the primary carer .  Although I have purchased a great deal of equipment, the providing of the beds, wendylet sheets, hoist, air mattress, comfy-tilt and razor chair have been invaluable. I wouldn’t have been able to handle it alone.

I am truly grateful to the NHS , the lovely Doctors and surgery we are lucky enough to have, the brilliant OT staff and all the dedicated community nursing staff who have helped us. 

I am very sad to hear negative stories about the NHS. There hasn’t been one person, medical professional or office staff who have been anything but supportive, kind and caring. 

Thank you. The journey is not over, but I still thank you every day.