Stephen has thanked LiveWest for changing his life following a move to one of our extra care schemes.
Stephen Early, 64, has faced lots of hurdles with his health since he caught polio at the age of just five. This left him with sclerosis of the spine, which is a curvature of the back, that has resulted with him suffering from a weak leg. Due to several health challenges, he is a wheelchair user and needs support from carers.
Despite this, he hasn’t let it hold him back and he has focused on keeping busy and helping others when he can. In 2013, Stephen moved to The Orchard in Bath – which provides extra care housing, he has been able to enjoy more independence so he can enjoy his life again.
Stephen said: “The way I was brought up in my family, they didn’t want my disabilities to stop me from doing anything I wanted to do. So, throughout the years, I went to a normal school and then, following that, I went to a school for people with disabilities.”
Stephen left school at the age of 16 and then found a job working in a factory at just 17. He wanted to improve his prospects, so he started learning touch-type at evening classes, which led to him getting a job in an office as a System Administrator.
Although his mobility was limited during this time, he was able to walk and developed a passion for snooker, going on to play with some professional players. He eventually worked for BANES council as a Desktop Publisher for 27 years and briefly as the Safety Officer.
Then Stephen’s health took a turn for the worse as he caught pneumonia in 2009. He has since had it eight times which has had a big effect on his health.
Stephen said: “As you would expect, it made me weaker each time in lots of ways. I was living at home on my own and getting more ill. The doctor said to me ‘we need to do something otherwise you may not be around’. That’s when my social worker said about moving into an extra care scheme. But from my eyes, an extra care scheme was an old people’s home, so I said I didn’t want to.
“Then she mentioned the place she was thinking of where I could have my own flat, a key, lovely scenery and I can come and go when I want so I could be independent. She said it was fantastic and suggested I look at it. Well as soon as I came here, I was very impressed, and I wanted to be here. I used to ring up the staff several times a week telling them I’m still coming and to keep a flat for me because I really wanted to live here.”
Stephen was unable to leave his room for four years due to not being able to walk before moving to The Orchard but as he wasn’t registered as needing extra care, he had to wait to see if he met the criteria and be approved by a panel.
Stephen said: “It is difficult being in a wheelchair, I never knew what it was like before that, but I’ve noticed over the last nine years people look at you differently. You could be going along the road and say good morning to someone, and they move out of the way, but they don’t even look at you they may look straight past you.
“I think Disability Awareness month will raise awareness of this and put it back into the thoughts of people as nobody is perfect so being aware of disabilities is important. I feel more should be done in terms of finance because being disabled is expensive and people don’t always know what’s available to them.
“I think it’s good to remind people that disabilities are still there, it’s not going to go away just because you may not see it as much. It’s not just the physical ones but the hidden disabilities as well.”
At the extra care scheme, Stephen helps with lots of activities and supports other residents with their shopping. Stephen doesn’t let his disability hold him back and has volunteered with the Care team, winning him awards for his support and he also won an award with NHS England for the South West for representing the patients’ voice.
Stephen has an assistance dog called Woody who helps him get undressed, picks things up for him and makes things easier for his day-to-day routine.
Stephen added: “Having Woody is amazing as he's great company and he helps me with things like taking my socks off. The care package has been fantastic and keeps me safe as when I was living at home, I didn’t always feel like that. The staff started getting me to walk again and helping me with day-to-day things that I can’t do. I’ve got a lovely flat and I really do enjoy it.
“I love it here. I have always said if it wasn't for this place, I don't think I'd be here. Because of this place, I have my own room. It's not one room like when you go into a care home. I've got my own little house.”
“The one thing the team do is you give me jobs to do which to me is very important because everyone needs to feel they’re needed. There are so many things that have fallen into place since I’ve come here, it’s been unbelievable.”