How carer-client matchmaking impacts rehabilitation outcomes
By SweetTree Home Care Services
After a stroke in 2021, Samuel’s mobility on the left side of his body was affected, which had an impact on his day-to-day life and resulted in his early retirement.
When Samuel reached out to SweetTree to organise ongoing specialist support, the Brain Injury and Neurological Conditions team identified some suitable carers who could be a good match.
Amongst the criteria for this selection were of course experience and training, but also more personal traits such as interests, personality, and cultural background.
Ade, one of the regular carers identified, was a particularly successful match, and Samuel developed a close relationship with him which was pivotal to his rehabilitation.
We interviewed Sam and Ade to understand the success factors of their professional relationship.
Can you describe the relationship you have developed?
Ade: “I wouldn’t see Samuel as a client anymore.
“I see him more like an elder brother because of the kindness I’ve shown Samuel, and I see how he appreciates that.
“That has graduated from two people helping each other to two people turning into family. (…) I feel like being a support worker for Sam has really been life changing for me.”
From his armchair, Sam was eager to chip in, telling us: “I refer to Ade as my brother. That’s my brother!
“We might be from different mother and fathers, but that’s my brother.
“If someone were to attack him on the road, I’d be right in there, I’d jump on the person’s back. As Nigerians say in football: I’m five and he’s my six.”
How has Ade made a difference in your life?
Sam: “Ade has given me the courage to keep fighting the good fight until I’m able to recover, stand up and walk again for my daughter and my wife.
“He’s someone that’s believed in me and made me believe in myself. I just turned 37 this year and this situation has been life changing.
“It has made me value life and made me realise that you can’t take it for granted.
“From May 2021, I was an active plumber, earning £300 to £400 a day.
“Now, I’m just sitting in my chair, as if I’m in retirement but I still thank God every day that I’m still among the living because many people have gone through what I’ve gone through and haven’t made it to this stage.”
Likewise, it was clear that providing support for Sam had made a difference in Ade’s life.
He painted a picture as to what his motivations were for entering the care industry in the first place, as well as the lessons he had learnt along the way.
Ade: “In 2017 I had this sad moment in my life where I lost my mum. At that moment, I felt I didn’t do enough.
“Going into care was like a moving sanctuary for me that told me to always care for people that love.
“Because I wasn’t there for my mum, this is a way I can always pay her back, by always being there for people who need help and people who are vulnerable.
“I didn’t know I was this patient, I didn’t know I was someone who could bring the best out of individuals.
“I wouldn’t say I look down on myself, but I’m someone who is willing to learn and the fact that I see progress in Sam makes me want to do more.”
Samuel and Ade’s example illustrates that a structured client/support worker matchmaking process is crucial for care providers and can significantly improve outcomes.
If you want a dynamic look at Sam and Ade’s relationship, watch our Good Care Month reel on Instagram, which captures our interview with them in candid motion.
