Supporting Alysha

When a new care package is being commissioned and new relationships formed, there is always the risk of initial teething problems or other issues that might arise.

For Jane Ross, the mother of a young adult who needs constant care, the way that Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield dealt with such issues gave her confidence that she could trust them.

Jane’s daughter, Alysha Banks, was born with a condition known as Angelman Syndrome which impacts both physically and mentally and results in severe learning disabilities.

For the past year, a dedicated team of specialist Support Worker’s from Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield have been at 20-year-old Alysha’s side as she has made the big step from school to adult day centre.

We believe our highly trained and consistent staff are the foundation to our relationship with our clients.

“There will always be problems that arise from time to time, what is important is that when I have raised this they have been dealt with effectively,” said Jane.

“Now we have got to know each other things are a lot more settled. We have built up a good relationship and I have trust in them.”

Alysha requires two Support Workers on hand three days a week when she attends Social Eyes, a specialist adult learning centre. There needs to be at least one female and one driver who collect Alysha, and attend the day centre with her and bring her home at the end of the day.

Alysha enjoys a range of activities including baking, arts and craft, dance and music, with Taylor Swift being a particular favourite. Sometimes the centre can become overwhelming for Alysha and her Support Workers recognise this and have a back-up plan to take her to a local park or play centre, which allows Alysha to reset.

“Good Support Workers are understanding, compassionate and do not shy away from dealing effectively and swiftly with challenging behaviour,” said Jane.

“Alysha needs structure, she doesn’t cope well with anything unplanned and with Caremark I always know in advance which Support Workers will be calling. She knows them and that helps me to prepare Alysha.”

Jane says she has noticed a significant improvement in Alysha’s behaviour since Caremark began working with her one year ago.

“They were recommended to me, I met the Support Workers, we tried them out and they have been with us ever since,” said Jane.

“I have seen a difference in Alysha's behaviour. I used to get phone calls from her school every day, now there has been improvement all round and far fewer calls from the day centre.”

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