Joe's Story

Living with complex health needs linked to a chromosomal abnormality, gastroparesis and epilepsy, Joe needs specialist support every day. But those needs are only one part of who Joe is.

Since joining Superior Healthcare, Joe has a care team who understand his health, routines and unique way of communicating. With the right support around him, he’s enjoying more time out, new experiences and a fuller, more active everyday life.

Living with gastroparesis and complex needs

Joe experienced feeding difficulties from birth and was fed through a nasogastric tube as a baby. His parents, Tracey and Martin, remember that bringing a child home with a feeding tube was very unusual at the time.

As Joe grew older, he was diagnosed with gastroparesis. Also known as delayed stomach emptying, gastroparesis affects how food moves from the stomach into the small intestine. For Joe, this makes eating and keeping food down extremely difficult.

His care follows a carefully planned routine, including water through his feeding tube every 30 minutes. His needs can also change from day to day, so consistency and close attention are essential.

“The clock really dictates exactly what we can do, when and where,” explains Tracey.

Finding the right support

For many years, Tracey and Martin found it difficult to find care that gave them the confidence to leave Joe with someone else.

After meeting one of Superior Healthcare’s Nurse Managers, they felt they had found the level of specialist home care Joe needed. His family was reassured by the training provided to his carers and the patient approach taken when introducing new people into their home.

Joe is non-verbal, so getting to know him properly is an important part of his care. His team pays close attention to his facial expressions, body language and the sounds he makes. Over time, they have learned the individual signs that show what Joe wants and how he is feeling.

“They make sure they get to know Joe,” says Martin. “It isn’t just coming in for Joe. They come in to support all of us, and that’s what counts.”

Man with complex care smiling with his carer

More freedom in everyday life

Today his team of carers help him get out of the house and enjoy the activities and social contact that matter to him.

“He loves it when they turn up. You can see the look on his face,” says Tracey.

Joe now goes out regularly and his family has noticed that these experiences have helped him become more comfortable around other people. Most importantly, Joe has a team who sees the person behind his complex care needs and supports him to enjoy more of what makes him happy.

His family has noticed that these experiences have helped him become more comfortable around other people. Most importantly, Joe has a team who sees the person behind his complex care needs and supports him to enjoy more of what makes him happy.

“It’s changed his life quite a lot,” says Martin. “It’s really improved his life.”

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The right care should provide both clinical expertise and peace of mind. Speak to our team about creating a care package tailored to your needs.