Living independently at home with a disability can be challenging, but with the right support, it can also be full of laughter, creativity, and personal achievement.
For Neill, live-in care has done more than meet his practical needs, it has transformed the rhythm of his everyday life. It has given him the freedom to pursue his passions, maintain the routines that matter most, and approach each day with confidence rather than limitation. His story shows the difference that the right person, living in the home and providing consistent support, can make.
Meet Neill
Neill lives at home with support from his live-in care worker, Ron. He has Cerebral Palsy, which means he requires assistance with daily tasks such as taking medication, drinking, and personal care. But this doesn’t stop him.
With Ron’s support, Neill is able to focus on what matters most to him; writing poetry, keeping up with football, and enjoying each day without the barriers that might otherwise limit his independence. Their partnership has given Neill the stability, encouragement, and confidence to continue living life on his own terms.
Recently, we visited Neill at his home to hear why live-in care has made such a meaningful difference to his life and to film a video sharing his story.
Support That Feels Like Family
Ron started supporting Neill in January 2025, yet their connection feels like it has spanned years. Before Ron, Neill had several carers, but none were able to bring the same sense of warmth, trust, and family that Ron provides. Since Ron became his carer, Neill’s daily life has been transformed, giving him greater companionship, support, and independence.
Their friendship is built on shared interests and playful banter, particularly football. Ron delights in teasing Neill about Nottingham Forest’s performances, while Neill is quick to fire back about Ron’s loyalty to Leeds. Their friendly rivalry fills the home with constant laughter, showing that live-in care is not just about practical support, it is about friendship and connection.
Outside of football, Neill is a devoted poet. Writing on his computer is a daily ritual that allows him to express his creativity and maintain an important part of his identity that dates back to his time at Bath Spa University. Ron’s live-in care support ensures that Neill can continue these hobbies and daily routines, supporting his independence while also fostering a sense of fulfilment and purpose.
The Experience Behind the Care
Part of what makes their bond so natural is Ron’s background. Growing up, he spent years supporting his brother, who also had Cerebral Palsy. This shaped his understanding of care and helped him develop empathy, patience, and a natural ability to support someone while still encouraging laughter and independence.
Ron’s experience guides his approach with Neill every day, ensuring that his care goes beyond the practical and becomes deeply personal, as is often the case with live-in care workers and the people they support.
Daily Life and Personal Routines
Neill and Ron’s days are shaped around what Neill wants to do. Whether that means attending medical appointments, watching a musical at the theatre, or making the most of the outdoors when the weather allows, Neill’s preferences guide the routine. Even on rainy days, they refuse to let the grey skies affect their spirits.
Alongside these personal touches, Ron provides essential daily care that keeps Neill healthy and safe. As it is not safe for Neill to swallow, he receives his medication and nutrients through a gastronomy tube. Administering this requires precision, attention, and consistency, and Ron manages it with dedication every day. His support ensures that Neill gets the vitamins, fluids, and medications he needs, allowing him to stay active and live life on his own terms.
Additional Support from Agincare’s Clinical Lead Nurse
Providing care at home can involve navigating complex systems, such as medication management, equipment checks, and communication between health professionals. When Ron needs additional support, he can call on Agincare’s Clinical Lead Nurse, Cher Goodyer-El Meheiry.
Cher plays an essential role in supporting both clients and care teams. She visits people in their homes to assess clinical concerns, review care needs, and ensure everything is managed safely. This may include checking medication routines, advising on tube feeding, liaising with GPs, district nurses, or hospitals, and helping resolve any issues that could slow down care.
For Neill and Ron, Cher provides reassurance that the clinical side of care is fully supported. She offers practical guidance, helps smooth out challenges, and ensures that Neill’s care remains safe and effective. Her involvement gives Ron confidence that he has expert backup whenever needed, while providing Neill with an extra layer of specialist support.
More Than Care: A Shared Journey
Together, Neill and Ron’s story is a reminder that live-in care at home is about much more than practical support. It is about building genuine friendship, fostering independence, and sharing laughter through everyday moments. It is about celebrating achievements, supporting passions, and creating a home environment where challenges are met with confidence and companionship.
With Ron by his side, Neill can face each day knowing he is never alone, that his voice is heard, and that he can continue living life fully, supported, and valued. Live-in care has given him not just assistance, but freedom, choice, and the confidence to pursue what matters most.
Why Live-In Care Works
As shown with Neill and Ron, live-in care creates independence, choice, and companionship every day. Having a trained, caring professional living in the home allows our service users to enjoy their favourite activities, maintain routines, and fully participate in family life, something which Neill holds close to his heart.
It also provides continuity and reassurance. There is always someone present to respond to needs, offer emotional support, and celebrate achievements. For people like Neill, live-in care is transformative, turning everyday routines into opportunities for independence, creativity, and connection.
Discover Live-In Care
If you are considering live-in care for yourself or a loved one, or want to learn more about how it works, Agincare’s website provides detailed information on how services can support independence, wellbeing, and everyday life at home.
Expert care advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions, guide families through the available live-in care options, explain funding and the assessment process, and arrange a visit or assessment so that families can see firsthand how live-in care can make a real difference.