Practical help when life becomes complicated

In 2010 I qualified as a social worker. Since then I have worked across several local authorities and diverse communities, in frontline community teams, older people’s services, learning disability and autism services, and safeguarding hubs. Each of those roles deepened my commitment to supporting people in a way that genuinely helps. Over the past few years I have wanted to do that work in my own way, offering compassionate and personal support to older people in local communities. I know how hard services can be to access. Some people are reluctant to contact Adult Social Care, and others simply do not know who to contact or where to begin. When my grandmother was living with stage 4 bowel cancer, I moved into her home and cared for her through the last part of her life. I looked after her day to day and coordinated her NHS continuing healthcare. It taught me how demanding that role is, how much it costs a family emotionally and financially, and how hard it can be to find practical advice when you most need it. This journey took on even greater significance earlier this year when I suddenly lost my Mum. It was difficult to navigate both who and what I needed following her death. My Dad was devastated, and he had no idea where to begin with registering her death, arranging the funeral, or any of the paperwork that followed. I was able to step in and do it alongside him. But it made me think about how many older people are left to face all of that on their own. Her passing was a profound moment that made me realise it was time to take the leap and start this new chapter to help others. My aim is to provide the kind of care and advocacy that helps older people feel supported, respected and connected; the type of support I would wish for my loved ones if needed. Hence, the beginning of Practical Life Support and Advocacy. In loving memory of my Mum, Vurda.