How good care can transform lives – G’s story
Since October 2023, Alcedo Care North Liverpool has provided 12 hours a week of personalised care to G, a young boy with various complex health needs.
G, who is 10, has haemophilia and IESS, a rare type of epilepsy, which impacts his quality of life and communication skills. Alcedo Care supports G at home and with social activities in the community, and he is currently staying at The Belvidere Family Centre in Toxteth, Liverpool.
Nicky Oakes, a manager at Belvidere, has noticed the remarkable improvements in G since Ali Idowu and the Alcedo Care team have been spending time with him. She says, “When G arrived at Belvidere in November 2022, he was quite frail, he had little mobility and struggled to engage with his care team, for various reasons. This resulted in some quite stressful days, where he became distressed, and a bad day would be had by all.
Since Ali arrived with his new team from Alcedo Care, staff noted G engaging immediately, forming strong bonds very quickly – even his Mum was amazed. G’s trust in his new care team has resulted in him walking further and further, strengthening his whole body, walking more upright for longer distances, communicating more clearly, focussing on tasks more and listening to instructions. A good example is that beforehand he would never wear his protective helmet when going out, but within only one visit from your team, he was wearing it without any problems or pressure. He is now able to sit and engage face-to-face with all the team, which he clearly loves, and his smile says it all. Staff have seen the Alcedo staff sitting on the floor with him, on his own level, in the laundry (his favourite place) so he knows he has their full attention. G’s mum is now able to leave him safe in the knowledge that he feels happy and secure with the Alcedo Care team. In the past, he would often not let her leave him alone with his carers and he would become visibly distressed when she attempted to leave.
G’s complex health needs will never really improve so his quality of life will always be quite limited but the Alcedo Care team has increased this 100% since taking over the provision of care. Put simply, he is a different child and a happy G means less pressure on his family.”
The team are honoured to care for G and have loved seeing his amazing progress. Ali Idowu commented, “G has come on leaps and bounds – the difference in his physical ability and communication is wonderful to see. We can now take G out independently whereas before he would insist on his mum accompanying him. G is always laughing and smiling and is really affectionate. It’s a joy to spend time with him and see him blossom.”
This just demonstrates that the right level of care can have a profound impact on children’s happiness and independence, fostering both emotional well-being and the development of life skills. At Alcedo Care, we understand that the right level of care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and tailoring support to each child’s needs can support their growth, development and happiness.
