Our case studies
Jake’s story: Living independently with a team he trusts
Jake lives independently in his own home, with a team he helped to choose and support that makes room for the holidays and events he enjoys.
Jake’s story
In 2021, Jake was a young man in his early twenties living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive condition that causes muscle weakness and increasing physical disability.
He is a passionate Star Wars enthusiast and collector. Before Bluebird Care became involved, Jake was living with his family and had identified a property where he wanted to live.
What mattered most to him was living independently in his own home, with a trusted team he also liked, continuing his education and pursuing future employment, maintaining friendships and social activities, and living life as a young adult, rather than being defined by his disability.
Understanding their needs
Jake requires 24-hour support to manage his daily needs, including personal care, medication administration, respiratory support and mobility assistance.
His needs were significant and wide-ranging, with specialist equipment, overnight repositioning to maintain safety and comfort, and support to access education, social activities and the community, all while maintaining his independence as his condition progressed. His move depended on finding a care provider capable of meeting his complex needs and supporting him safely in his own home.
Bluebird Care became involved in April 2021. A comprehensive assessment was completed by the Care Manager and the Registered Manager, including Jake and his parents throughout. His wishes, preferences, routines, personality and ambitions were central to the planning process.
Life with Bluebird Care
Bluebird Care provides Jake with a fully tailored 24-hour specialist care package: one support worker during the day and two overnight, with a complex care manager and clinical lead. Daytime support includes medication administration, personal care and meal preparation, alongside help accessing college, online learning, and community and social activities. Overnight, two support workers provide regular repositioning to ensure his comfort, wellbeing and safety.
One of the most important parts of Jake’s support was involving him directly in recruiting his own care team. Jake wanted an upbeat, proactive and engaging environment. Bluebird Care arranged meetings between Jake and potential support workers before care began, giving him the chance to ask questions, get to know the team, and influence who was chosen. Whenever Jake raises a concern about a team member, his views are listened to and acted on quickly.
A great example was supporting Jake’s trip to a Star Wars Convention in London. Staff contacted the event organisers to clarify accessibility arrangements when the hotel questioned the need for 24-hour support from two support carers. All logistics were carefully planned so Jake could attend safely and enjoy the experience alongside his family.
On a holiday to the Forest of Dean, Jake stayed in a lodge with three support workers. Thanks to extensive planning of transport, risk assessments, accessibility, medication management and staffing, Jake had a holiday experience like any other young adult: making memories, trying new things, and spending quality time away from home.
Living life on his own terms
Jake lives independently in his own home, continues his studies, maintains strong relationships with family and friends, and enjoys a fulfilling, active lifestyle, including holidays and events that matter to him. Jake’s story is about more than meeting care needs: it is about enabling someone to live life on his own terms, and to do so in the comfort of his own home with family. His family have peace of mind that Jake’s needs are met by a team he trusts.
Staying in control of his life was the whole point.
- Cheryl, Registered Care Manager