Cerebral Palsy Care

Wesley Scott is a prime example of how support workers from Christies Care can help a clever, determined man live life on his own terms and achieve the same dreams of contributing to society that many people share. In his own words:

“I’m a 34 year old man who has, since birth, had Spastic Quadraplegic Cerebral Palsy. As a result of my impairment I need to use an electric wheelchair on a full time basis to enable me to maintain independent mobility. I also require 24 hour care support to enable me to live independently.

I grew up in Greater London where I was educated at various mainstream schools. When I was 19, like most people, I left college and took up a place on a degree programme (Computing BSc at Coventry University). After graduating with a first class honours degree, I began my PhD studies at Coventry University. This looked at how we make the research process more inclusive, specifically, to those that have Specific, Critical, Additional Needs (SCAN).

In relation to my personal and family life I am a twin, and after 16 years in Coventry I have finally returned home to the London borough of Barking and Dagenham where I live independently in a lovely new build flat and my family live close by. We’re close in more ways than one, I am an uncle to two nephews and one niece and am also extremely close to my mother who is my valued friend, confident and advocate among other things.

Having the support from Christies Care is really important to me because not only does it allow me to live safely and independently it allows me to do more than just exist.

It has enabled me to achieve my aspirations and live a full and active life, without having to worry about what to do if I need the toilet in the middle of the day or night or worry about what time I’m going to bed.

Now I’ve moved back to London, I’m planning to continue teaching and trying to help people to understand that disabled people are differently abled and not disabled – so that society should change to enable its differently abled citizens to lead full and productive lives.

Outside of my research work, my hobbies include collecting model buses, I have about 200. I’m also a transport enthusiast which means I enjoy riding on all forms of public transport, particularly trains and buses. I also enjoy reading, writing poetry and socialising with friends and family.

Even though I have achieved a PhD, I haven’t quite achieved all my dreams and aspirations yet. In the years to come I would like to train to be an ordained Priest within the Church of England, maybe even the first bishop in a wheelchair!

I have been using Christies Care since 2011 and whilst I’ve had my ups and downs I find that the well trained support workers Christies provide enable me to both live independently and contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Additionally, they don’t just meet my physical needs but my wider, emotional and social needs as well. I have a good team of support workers who are fully aware of my needs and understand the high standards which I like to maintain in all areas of my life. I really love how my support workers take a genuine interest in me and my life. I can’t thank them enough for the work they do on a daily basis. Without their help, understanding and support I would not be able to continue living my life the way I want to.

To anyone who is considering live-in care I would give them this advice: It is hard to have someone living with you 24/7 and you will get on each other’s nerves from time to time, that’s natural, but I would urge you to communicate with whoever is supporting you. That’s the key, to not just a successful live-in care experience but anything in life really.”