If you’re getting on and finding it difficult to live independently, there is an alternative to going into a residential home.

Health Editor Barry Nelson marks National Carer’s Week by interviewing someone who is being supported in her own home.

WHEN Carol Devoy realised she couldn’t cope living at home on her own any more, she had two choices.

A combination of curvature of the spine with Parkinson’s Disease, a condition which causes uncontrollable trembling and affects balance, meant that Carol, 64, from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, found it increasingly difficult to manage.

“My illness really slowed me down and because of my back, I really can’t stand for very long,” says Carol, who lost her second husband, Alex, two and a half years ago from the lung disease, mesothelioma.

The idea of going into a residential nursing home didn’t appeal, so Carol got in touch with one of the increasing number of North-East agencies which provides home care.

“I did realise that I needed more help at home and to help me get out and about,” says Carol, who has two grown-up sons. “You can get carers to come in for half an hour in the morning and another half an hour in the evening, but I didn’t want that.”

After discussing her circumstances with Philip Parkinson Homecare Limited, a Newcastlebased company, Carol opted for a full Monday to Friday, nine-to-five service.

That was in December last year and the former secretary now says she would find it very difficult to manage without her daily carer, Melanie Jackson.

Apart from doing housework, Melanie also prepares Carol’s meals, takes her shopping and even takes her out to the cinema or for a meal.

“She can only do light housework.

She is not allowed to take the curtains down or do heavy cleaning, but she does so much for me,” says Carol.

“She cooks for me, she takes me out socially. We go out for meals and she takes me to shops or the cinema.”

Carol admits it took a while to get used to the idea of a stranger coming in every weekday and helping out in her home, but now she can’t imagine being without Melanie.

“It takes a few months to really get to know people and you have to get on with your carer,” says Carol.

“Melanie doesn’t wear a uniform and when we go out anywhere she is not my carer, she is my friend. It just means I can go out when I want to.”

Melanie Jackson, 39, the carer who supports Carol during the week, says the relationship which develops between the carer and the client makes the work very rewarding.

“My background was working with people with learning disabilities for Durham County Council, but I wanted to do something totally different so I joined Philip Parkinson Homecare,” says Melanie, who lives in Seaham, County Durham.

“I don’t wear a uniform and really I’m more of a companion for Carol.

We do a lot together. In my view you can’t beat being helped to stay in your home. It is much more comfortable for the client.”

Nicola Marshall, regional manager for Philip Parkinson, agrees: “It just helps clients remain in their own comfortable home environment rather than going into a residential home.”

The company was founded 27 years ago but the home care side was only set up three years ago. Different companies charge different rates to provide home care but Philip Parkinson Homecare Limited care packages start from £7.20 for a half hour call.

THE company provides a wide range of care, from 24-hour nursing support seven days a week to small packages of care of just 30 minutes. Costs are calculated after a full assessment of a person’s needs and an appropriate package of care is put together and priced accordingly.

Philip Parkinson carers cost £113 for a full day’s care from 9am to 5pm.

For a weekly rate this is multiplied by five or seven (£565 or £791 respectively).

Carol pays for her care privately, but according to individual circumstances it is possible to have the costs of home support paid partly or even in full by your local Social Services department.

“Having someone look after me at home works very well. I would certainly recommend the service,” says Carol.

■ To find out more about Philip Parkinson Homecare ring 0845-370-1230 or email info@pphcare.co.uk

■ Attendance Allowance is a taxfree benefit of up to £70.35 weekly for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care because they are physically or mentally disabled. Details and application forms can be found on direct.gov.uk