Care worker praised for 'empathy' after life changing illness made him change career

Bluebird Care Lincoln marked Carers Week by celebrating a member of its team, who changed his life and career after he had a heart attack and stroke and believes “perseverance” and “setting your goals” are needed to aid recovery.

Fourteen years ago, Dennis Atkinson’s life changed after he had a massive heart attack and stroke at the age of 44. He was paralysed down the right-hand side of his body and was in hospital for eight and a half weeks.

Mr Atkinson told homecare.co.uk: “In that time, I had to learn to walk and talk again and at the beginning, I could only eat liquidised food and let me tell you, liquidised veg is not very tasty.”

From his own experience of being looked after in a hospital, Mr Atkinson believes people should be looked after in the comfort of their own home, in surroundings they are most at ease with.

“When I was in hospital, I also realised that I needed to be home and surround myself with familiar things. My wife would come in and tell me about things, but it wasn’t the same and I couldn’t associate with it, so she would have to bring in photos for me to look at.”

When Mr Atkinson was finally allowed to recuperate at home, he was determined to recover fully. “My recovery was full of perseverance and setting your goals. Even if it didn’t sometimes happen, you just push yourself and then the next day is better.”

Mr Atkinson was attending his local church when he took a gentleman who was wheelchair-bound for a walk. “It was just seeing him smile. I knew then what I wanted to do. I can see it from the other side and have empathy for everyone.”

'From not knowing if a full recovery was possible, I’ve seen their independence return'

Carers Week is a yearly campaign that seeks to recognise the contribution care workers make to families and communities throughout the UK. This year, with the focus of the week around ‘Making caring visible and valued’, Mr Atkinson has been recognised for his commitment of work over the years.

Mr Atkinson trained as a care worker and has worked for Bluebird Care for seven years where they believe he has been committed to delivering exceptional care; devoting himself to making a difference to the lives of the customers he cares for.

Mr Atkinson speaks most highly of a rehabilitation process involving a customer with a broken back: “I saw the very start of the referral to the present day. From not knowing if a full recovery was possible, I’ve seen their independence return, including being able to drive their own modified van.

"I always let him push himself and now he can drive 40-50 to Hull with me sitting as a passenger in the van. He is now meeting his own needs and is independent.”

Mr Atkinson believes the key to his successes lie in the good working relationships he has with his customers. “Once you see the difference you make in someone’s life, the job becomes a highly rewarding one. I am also grateful to all the staff and managers. They always look after us and we now have a wellbeing officer. Staff are always awarded in the middle of each month.”

Nina Vernon, assistant manager at Bluebird Care Lincoln & South Lincolnshire, reflected on Mr Atkinson’s career: “Dennis has been a valued member of our team for seven years. His work ethic and caring attitude are second to none. He is always willing to go the extra mile for customers. He is a true inspiration to all of the team.”

Debbie Ferguson, head of nursing at Bluebird Care Lincoln, added: “I have worked with Dennis for four years now, he is a true inspiration to all of the team. When I have visited customers and carers that have had input from Dennis, I have only ever heard positive comments and praise, and in my opinion, he is always someone that will always go that extra mile no matter who that is for.

“Always cheerful, fun, and professional, and I hope to continue to work with Dennis in whatever capacity his role takes him for years to come.”

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