When 84-year-old Peter first struggled to clench his fists, he had no idea he was facing a condition so rare that only an estimated one in 150,000 people worldwide will ever develop it. The diagnosis, inclusion body myositis, is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that slowly limits mobility, grip and independence.
For Peter, who has lived in his Kent home for 50 years, it was a life-changing moment.
“I realised I needed help at home,” he says. “There was something wrong with my muscles and this is the maximum fist I can make now.”
Despite support from his two daughters, who visit regularly, Peter knew he needed daily assistance to continue living safely and comfortably at home. He began researching home care options online and found Trinity Homecare.
What began as essential daily support has now become one of the most important relationships in Peter’s life.
For the past two years, his carer, Lara, has visited every morning to help with washing, dressing and preparing the day ahead. “Every morning when I open the door, I want to hear Peter with a nice voice saying good morning,” she says.
Peter’s condition affects not only his physical strength but his emotional wellbeing too. After retiring at 78 and losing his wife only a month later, he says he felt “bereft and solitary” and struggled with the transition.
“Having established a friendship with Lara is pretty important to me, frankly,” he says. “I really enjoy her company. She is observant, sensitive and takes the initiative. She’s probably the person I see most in my life.”
The pair have built everyday rituals together, including a breakfast tradition involving vish jam, a homemade Romanian sour cherry preserve Lara brings from her mother. “She asked me what I wanted for breakfast and out comes a vish jam,” Peter smiles. “I love it and I always ask if her mum has more.”
While Lara supports with practical tasks, her goal is to maintain Peter’s independence and confidence despite the progressive nature of his condition.
“I would like him to be happy,” she says. “To go out, to have a goal and to be as independent as possible.”
Regular visiting care is central to helping people stay safe, independent and emotionally supported at home. Trinity’s own data shows that clients receiving visiting or live-in support experience 33% fewer falls and around 50% slower cognitive decline than those in residential care. It also boosts wellbeing: 88% feel happier and more settled and 79% keep up more active daily routines. And with 97% of older adults wanting to remain in their own homes, Peter’s story shows just how vital visiting care is in providing the continuity and companionship that make that possible.
For Peter, the continuity and companionship have made the biggest difference. “I wish I could say please don’t worry {to my family} and make it have more impact. But having Trinity and having Lara makes everything easier.”
