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Tina is a woman who knows what she wants and there are three things she wants you to know about her:
1. Born two months prematurely with Cerebral palsy, her parents were advised by doctors she would be unlikely to survive beyond six months.
2. Having now reached her 70s, Tina is determined to live life to the full, despite being unable to walk or stand unaided.
3. Tina feels “very fortunate” to be supported by Shaftesbury and cannot fault her care at Shaftesbury Bradbury Court in Harrow.
“I am very good at expressing myself and knowing what I want,” she says. “I need to feel safe, well cared for, not alone. I’ve been here for two years and don’t ever want to leave.”
It’s clear Tina counts each day as a blessing, delighting in the fact she has defied all the odds. You get the sense this is what drives her – it’s hard not to warm to her candour and sense of fun.
Shaftesbury is a Christian charity providing support services nationwide for children, young people and adults with disabilities. At Shaftesbury Bradbury Court, a vibrant programme of activities is carefully tailored to meet the varied interests and abilities of its 18 residents. On any given day there might be cooking, bingo, yoga, arts and crafts, or a culturally themed event.
For someone as sociable and outgoing as Tina, this means she can look ahead to each day, find joy in interaction and have outlets to express herself.
Shaftesbury’s commitment to people-centred care is reflected in its Life Sum campaign. A Life Sum is a list of things that bring joy, comfort or challenges in a combination unique to everyone. It’s a means to ensure that life adds up for each and every person the charity supports.
Tina’s Life Sum includes eating out, knitting, fish and chips and TV. Stairs make life difficult for her and don’t even think of offering her avocados or marmalade!
Until the age of 24, Tina could walk with supportive aids. Now using a wheelchair, she accepts she cannot live independently:
“I know it’s best for me to be here. I would get lonely otherwise. I’m at risk of getting ill or falling over, which means I need someone to be around in order to feel safe. There is always someone here for me – that’s really important.”
Tina can’t find fault with her care and it makes her emotional to reflect on the level of contentment she feels at Shaftesbury Bradbury Court:
“I’ve done everything I wanted to do. If my day comes tomorrow then I’ve been very, very lucky. I’m just really happy here. This is my home now.”
What brings you joy? What can’t you live without? Shaftesbury is working across the UK to enable people with disabilities to lead full and meaningful lives. Help raise awareness by sharing what makes your life add up. Visit lifesum.org to find out how. Shaftesbury’s free Wellness Guide is also available to download.
