Des Marsh has been a client with Care in Hand for six years. He has become close to the small team of care workers who work with him to provide the tailored care service he requires. Here, Des shares some of his story:  

 “Five years ago after spending three months in hospital, arrangements were made by Pembrokeshire local authority for a care manager from Care in Hand to visit me. We discussed how they could help me stay in my home while also receiving all the care I needed. I instantly felt reassured by them that I would be able to cope, providing I had regular visits.

“I was discharged from hospital and carers from Care in Hand started helping me that very same day. During the first few weeks, two carers visited four times each day. They helped with various aspect of my daily living activities, things that I simply couldn’t do myself anymore. As I started to get my strength and mobility back, the number of visits dropped to just two carers visiting me once a day.   

“I have always found my carers to be very reliable and if they are going to be a little late, or if they are on holiday or unwell, I always know. All of the staff within the management team I have come to know on first name terms, and are always friendly, professional and polite. Whenever I need anything more than my normal Care Plan includes, I simply pick up the phone to Carol or Emily and I know that I’ll be OK.

“I would not hesitate to recommend Care in Hand to anyone."

Paul Murch, 38, from Tenby receives live in care and support from Care in Hand. He lives alone in his own home in Tenby, and has been receiving support from his live in support workers, Jan Overhill and Barrie Davies for nine months. Here, you can read about his story.

“I was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease about 10 years ago and soon had to accept that there were some decisions I needed to make about living with the illness. I’ve always been a very independent person and the thought of leaving the comfort of my own home just seemed wrong to me. And when I was told about Care in Hand’s live in care service, I soon realised it was the best option for me.

“Jan and Barrie have been my regular supporters for some time now, spending two week periods at a time working with me. Although I am mobile, they give me that extra peace of mind that I need to live within my home. They help with cooking or cleaning when I have bad days, or at other times they’re just great company, and we’ll often play a game of golf, go to the pub for a drink or even just sit and talk football.

“I couldn’t ask for better supporters than Jan and Barrie. I think of them more as my mates now rather than carers. We have a lot of fun and they have already helped me to understand how to live as comfortably and as freely as possible with my illness. I can’t fault the care I receive one bit, and would encourage anyone in the same position as me to consider live in care."