Profile - 46165

Updated 1 year ago

• 6+ years
• Male

Welcome to my profile !

My name is Martin. I have been a carer for more than 10+ years.

I haven't always been a carer. I used to run a small but very busy commercial graphics studio. Worked in SW sales, for a while, too. These were challenging times. Then I was looking for a change. One day I went visiting an innovatively thinking disabled children institute, who were making things better for handicapped children. It looked good, and I have decided to stay. First I became an assistant, then a care trainer. It was fun and we became part of the kid's lives and they of ours.

Then I would notice little things others weren't seeing. These were quite life-changing for some of the kids. For example I noticed that a spasm one girl was experiencing most of the time in her hand, eased completely when she was relaxed, laughing, among friends.
I thought .. if we gently trained in easing those anxieties, it would lessen the girl's spasms or get rid of them altogether. It was clearly state of mind linked, not permanent and, could possibly have been changed. It would change the girl's life. As you'd imagine, she didn't like her fingers bent backwards at all.

I also started some basic fun-exercises, so to ease the kid's continuous sitting down. It didn't matter they were in the wheel chair. It brought a bit more movement into their otherwise unengaged bodies and made them more comfortable. It was fun, too. We called slow, whole hands kind of up and downs exercises 'eagle's flight' and the kids liked it and felt better. We laughed a lot, but made sure we were doing what we came for.

We invented some 'cheer-up' sessions at the pre-school, too. The kids were often kind of down, sleepy, not looking toward another several hours of sitting down in their wheelchairs - so we had some fun beforehand to cheer them up. Something light in the morning. Like trying to make various animal's sounds the kids have chosen themselves, for example. Dog is easy, isn't it ...but try...... say... a whale ! Or a hedgehog ! It was educational, social and a lot of fun. The kids loved it, also engaged each other much more and were quite different to start the day's classes.

I couldn't progress much past that though, as a carer. I spoke to the management about possibilities and as there was not much room for progress, I have decided to return to studies.
I went for psychology, it crossed my path several times previously and, passing heavy entrance tests in the end - 'the selection' – I was awarded a study place at one of the top universities. I was very happy. It was my huge achievement. The competition was enormous, I think the odds were 1:40 that year-there were 1200 applicants and only 30 spaces offered. The recommended study books content - in order to pass the exams - was around 4400 pages of basic and somewhat moderately advanced psychology and biology and more, so I had to overcome many obstacles.
But it wasn't to be. I couldn't start the studies in the end. I was gutted. But fortunately had a plan B and, I am quite happy even though I haven't become a psychologist in the end.

I have returned to care but this time it was adult care. Kind of by coincidence, but that's another story. Apart from one-to-one adult care services, I have also led, for a short period of time, a small team of carers during a re-ablement project. The project was a pilot one in the UK and it's goal was to test, if a small team of highly capable carers were able to free hospital beds. Some people recovered completely and were fit to return to their homes but weren't able to because of their need of a supported transition period. That's where we stepped in.
This involved day to day and overall management of a team of carers (<10), also liaising with clients, hospitals, social care teams, OTs and others, as well as, and of course, the client's families. It was very challenging logistically and otherwise, but thoroughly wonderful work. You should see the client's faces, able to return home. I have met some wonderful people together with whom we made this happen. And, there were beds suddenly available in the hospital, too !!

I have then become and remained a self-employed carer, with little gaps here and there since.

I am a country-walker and enjoy a good ramble, but not too a hasty one. I enjoy a good sit-down, or a slow wonder-walk, enjoying the beauty the world can be. I enjoy a merry or quiet company but it is nice to be on my own, too. There are some truly remarkable places. I like the south coast a lot and have walked a lot of it. Some of the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
I like sea swimming an swimming in general and a light exercise. I like a tasty cake, too, but please don't tell anyone ! :-)

Back to care again, although I make sure the basis are maintained – the safety, the meds, and what have you, I like take things easy and am quite creative. Sometimes it takes very little to bring some light into someone's life, say travelling a bit around with my clients, they thought they wouldn't be able to any more - but it was safe and they were able and, even an hour or two at a country fair or cricket grounds were much appreciated.

I had the good fortune to meet and offer my services to many remarkable people. To one of the last WRENs for example; once to a gentleman - quite highly ranking British Legion member. It, I think and according to the family, have brought light, self-esteem and taste for life again into the gentleman's life. Little ideas, small changes, and .. someone is happier.

I didn't know however why for some reason ;-) he turned down the idea - when Liverpool played the Gunners – in Liverpool – the very next day – to have us loaded onto a military cargo plane at a nearby military airport he was well acquainted with and dropped over the stadium in order to make it on time, taking the train on our way back home next day. Really don't know, think it was the train bit that put him off ! ;-)

All right enough of silliness and back to care once more. I am comfortable in supporting my clients with various needs, ranging from Cerebral Palsy, MS, Spinal injuries, +++, to Palliative Care, and End of life Care, in all settings imaginable. Personal care. Medicine administration. I am comfortable in 1 to 1 support and also as a part of a team. I am experienced in being with contact with Occupational Therapists, nurses - such selfless people, GPs, managing and going hospital appointments, all that usual and, unusual, too. I have saved my client's life several times, too, so not panicking easily.

I am reliable, organized, cleanly and, apparently not a bad problem-solver, when needed and, can react on the spot.

Please do get in touch should you wish, to talk about your particular needs and wishes.

Please do not worry about my present location in Sheffield – I drove more than 160 miles to my clients sometimes, for those few weeks and, over the 2 and a half years I have never once missed a single handover. I used to live in the South too, and be happy to come if you happen to live that way. I am a driver and have my own wheels so it isn't a problem at all.

In any case, please have a really nice day.

Wishing all the best,
Martin