Meet Our Youngest Client, Stewart

Stewart lives with cerebral palsy. He was diagnosed with the condition when he was involved in a car accident at 7 months old and it affected all of his limbs and led to a visual impairment. He uses a walker as he is unable to walk unaided. In addition, he uses a wheelchair some of the time. 

When Stewart reached out to Right at Home Maidenhead, he was worried about feeling left behind because of his care requirements. He didn’t want to miss out on the life of a young person, or give up on his passions and hobbies because of his condition. 

So, we worked alongside Stewart to create a Care & Support Plan that is focused on his goals and lifestyle, tailoring it to his preferences. He became one of our Clients just shy of summer 2021, and we’ve been supporting him ever since to enjoy the life he wants to live.

Stewart is an extroverted and sociable individual, with plenty of goals he wants to achieve and activities that he is passionate about. As his care team, we make sure he can continue these passions, as well as find new things to be excited about.

Radio Hosting and DJing

One of the first things we assisted Stewart with is his gig hosting a radio show on a charity-run station. We support by helping him set up and close the show, so he can focus on being a great host. At first, he was assisted by a Carer we hired specifically for the position as he is good with technology and of a similar age to Stewart. Although this Carer has now moved on from his role at Right at Home, the relationship he formed with Stewart still continues to this day. 

We found another Carer suited to the job, and now in addition to DJing for this station, Stewart has also recently joined an international Spanish speaking radio station that showcases the best of Latin music for their listeners.

Stewart is active in his local community, supporting various causes and charities. Inspired by his admirable work, we’ve provided Carers free of charge in the past to further support Stewart when he hosts special events. When Stewart was hosting an event for local refugees and asylum seekers, one of our Carers volunteered to help set up and clean after the event.

Through Stewart’s participation in community events and the activities that bring him joy, we see clear evidence of how personalised care can make a real difference. It empowers him to take control of his own experiences, improve his quality of life, and continue living fully with the support he needs.

Our Carers accompany Stewart to various activities and events, whether that’s close to home or further afield in London. 

One nearby activity we assist Stewart with is going to the gym. Stewart’s gym sessions are very beneficial to him, not only as a way to keep fit, but also as a form of physiotherapy. We arranged for one of our Carers to drop him off and pick him up after his sessions at his chosen gyms, helping him stick to his routine.

With support from one of Stewart’s regular Carers, Naveed, he’s also been able to enjoy day trips to London, including going to the New Year’s Day Parade. Stewart is passionate about outdoor and community-focused events, making this event perfect for him.

Naveed also spent the day with Stewart when he was attending a WWE event in London, so he could travel and enjoy the event with confidence. As an avid pro wrestling fan, this was an exciting trip for Stewart, and his Carer ensured he had the support he needed to make it happen.

Stewart is a great example of how taking control of your own care can enhance quality of life and enable you to live life on your own terms. He manages his own package of care, picking and choosing which hours are convenient for him. 

When he first approached Right at Home Maidenhead, he requested Carers of a similar age to him who enjoy the same hobbies, explaining that this would make him feel more comfortable in his day-to-day life. This choice has enabled him to do the activities he enjoys with people he enjoys spending time with. Stewart has a core team of Carers who support him throughout the week, and he has built a rapport and relationship with each of them.

With the right support, Stewart has been able to carry on with his favourite activities and live a lifestyle that suits his outgoing, youthful personality.