Michael’s* story

Michael* started looking at care providers during his first round of chemotherapy. After reacting badly to it, he lost his appetite and his sense of taste was affected, so he realised that he needed support with meal preparation.

“I was actually referred to Nexus by a friend who had previously helped out my wife,” said Michael. “It turned out she had worked with Nexus before and said they were the only agency where the carers actually care and were reliable.

“Funnily enough, I had a visit from the podiatrist a few days later and, when he saw the leaflet I’d had from Nexus, he said they were the only agency in the area that he hadn’t had any complaints from patients about.”

As chemotherapy is often given in cycles, Michael is able to receive visits from our carers only on the days that he needs support, often in the week or two after receiving a treatment.

“Samuel at Nexus understood what I needed very quickly and was able arrange support that fits really well into my life.

“We arrived at the conclusion that I needed help to prepare food, so I now have three 45-minute visits each day when I need them.

“At the times when chemotherapy makes it difficult to leave the house, it can become a bit oppressive, so having the carer come in brightens things up with the opportunity to chat to someone.

“None of the carers have put a foot wrong. They’re incredibly caring and they’re always looking for something else to do to help. They’re never rushing to get off and do something different – it’s a credit to the organisation.

“It has helped me cope with the treatment a thousand times better.”

*names have been changed to protect client identity