Carers for a client living with Parkinson’s disease went the extra mile recently by organising a VIP tour of Chelsea FC’s stadium and museum as a birthday treat.
Life-long Chelsea fan, John Smith and his wife Maureen were given an exclusive tour of the Premier League ground thanks to a brainwave by his carer from Right at Home Bedford, Munir Al-Busaidy Picariello.
John, a retired Chartered Surveyor, is living with Parkinson’s disease which affects his mobility and ability to
manage aspects of daily living. Carers from Right at Home Bedford support him a few times a week, enabling John to remain in his own home.
The idea for the day came from carer Munir, who, during the World Cup in December, visited John at home voluntarily to watch the England games together.
As John’s birthday approached, Right at Home Bedford care manager, Shelley Lowden, contacted the football club to see if they could arrange a special treat.
The club promptly organised complimentary tickets for John, Maureen and Munir, who were all given the full VIP treatment with a private tour of the Stamford Bridge stadium, pitchside, the dressing rooms, trophy room and press areas.
John’s carer, Munir said: “I enjoyed spending time with John out in the community giving him an experience that he will remember.
“Chelsea Football Club really went the extra mile for him. We visited the press conference room and the changing rooms where we saw iconic football shirts and learned about the amazing history of the club.
“John is an incredible client to work with and so deserving of this experience. I loved seeing his face light up as he got to explore Stamford Bridge. Days like this are what makes working in care so worthwhile and rewarding.”
John was last at the ground in 1976 and was amazed at how much it had changed over the years.
Jag Ahluwalia, Managing Director of Right at Home Bedford, said: “We’re so pleased to have made this happen. Our whole team go above and beyond every day but the thing that is most pleasing is the impact that it has had on John after the day out.
“That’s exactly what we’re trying to do, spark something in our Clients that have a lasting impact on their well-being.
“His wife Maureen does an incredible job of caring for him each day and we were pleased that she also
managed to enjoy a day out and get a well-deserved break.”
Right at Home Bedford Registered Manager Shelley Lowden said: “Our team are so special, and I’m proud of Munir for getting the ball rolling on this.
“To see John so happy was brilliant and reminded us why we do this job.”
Right at Home Bedford is part of nationwide leading homecare group Right at Home, enabling clients to stay at home for longer. The team offers a variety of care services from companionship and medication support through to dementia care and more complex care needs.
