Published Author Chooses Live-In Carer for Independence
Published Author from Highcliffe Dorset, chooses to remain independent at home during the pandemic whilst employing a live-in carer
Writer, John Umfreville, decided that being able to spend time living independently at his own place rather than in a care home, sounded like a real bestseller.
Having a qualified and compassionate live-in carer means that John, 86 from Dorset can remain independent while working on his books, in the comfort of his own home. Dr Umfreville is a retired petrochemicals scientist turned writer who has a live-in care worker allowing him to live independently in his bungalow following the loss of his wife.
He is the author of ‘The Comings and Goings of the Reverend Bertram Moorehouse’ – a local history book, which is available on Amazon. Earlier this year, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, he needed to go into hospital for a short time and after he was released, John decided to respite in a care home for six weeks while he recovered. During that time, Dr Umfreville was in isolation for two weeks. He shares his experiences of the time in the care home compared to living at home with a care worker.
“In the care home, while I was comfortable and had a genuinely nice room with a garden view and my own computer and printer, socially I found it lacking and the people were very restrictive in their conversation. A care home is a function of the type of person who is there and is often full of people who are much more ill than I am. This makes it difficult for them to form any meaningful relationship, let alone make friends,” he explained.
“However, for many more active and independent individuals, like myself, care homes are not the best option. I can’t imagine staying in a care home for a long period of time as it would be too draining emotionally and mentally.”
While spending six weeks in a care home Dr. Umfreville decided to look for different care options and upon the recommendation of a neighbour, he contacted Promedica24, Europe’s largest provider of live-in care services. Choosing live-in care with Promedica24 helped Dr Umfreville to get back on his feet and retain his independence. As he explained: “I needed to come back to my own home to continue the writing projects. Throughout my life I have written many notes and now in my retirement, I am drawing on this material for my writing, hence the need to be in my study. I was looking forward to completing the final chapters of my next book and preparing it to be illustrated. I had also wanted to finish a short story for the Telegraph’s competition that needed to be in by November, so I had to get to my notes to reformat it ready for submission.
“Upon returning home I knew I would need some help. Very shortly after contacting Promedica24, they arranged for Agata to move in with me. It has all worked out very nicely as I am now back on my feet and I could not have done that without the help of Promedica24”.
Agata keeps him company during the lockdown and helps with day-to-day tasks such as ordering groceries from a shop. Together they play cards, she entertains grandchildren when they visit, fitting in nicely with family life.
John continued: “I would recommend live-in care to anyone in my situation. Each one of my care ladies have been wonderful, and I will continue using Promedica24’s services rather than go back to a care home. Although I have extended family, children, and grandchildren, I value my independence and prefer to live by myself with support from a live-in carer. I find that this is the most comfortable solution both for my family and me.
Dr Umfreville has had a varied and exciting life. After completing his National Service and marring his girlfriend, he obtained his Ph.D. in Manchester before working for an American petrochemicals company. His job took him to America and China and many other countries in Europe. He ran laboratories in Geneva and conducted vital research into the petrochemical industry across the continent whilst raising three children in Switzerland. Following retirement from a career in the petrochemical industry, Dr Umfreville completed a degree in Community and Family History from the Open University and chose a new path of a writer researching the history of his family. He also worked as a college governor and a consultant for a local museum and a Polish petrochemicals company.
Like many others, John hopes to continue with live-in care that helps him to retain his independence that he values so much and create an environment in which he can commit himself to his passion. Live-in care has proven to be instrumental in allowing Dr Umfreville to continue writing the story of his life.
One of the advantages of live-in care is being safe at home. John’s care provider Promedica24 is Europe’s largest provider of live-in care services who works with the clients on a one-to-one basis in the comfort of their own homes, allowing clients to cultivate their hobbies, maintain their independence and achieve a sense of happiness and wellbeing. During this ongoing Covid-19 pandemic live-in care provides a safe alternative to care homes and continues to do so.
For more information about Promedica24’s services in Dorset area, please contact Mark Muller, Regional Partner – Dorset, Hampshire and the New Forest:
Tel. 07500 763 584
E-mail: m.muller@promedica24.co.uk
About Promedica24
Promedica24 is Europe’s largest provider of live-in care services. It supports older and vulnerable people by providing highly trained and carefully selected caring staff.
The company can take on new clients with relatively short notice and provide care solution tailored to the specific client’s needs in any location in England, including rural areas. Promedica24’s carers are experienced in a range of chronic conditions including cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, arthritis and diabetes.
Press enquiries to Donna Richardson
Email: D.Richardson@promedica24.co.uk
Tel: +44 7500 737860
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