When you first meet Ewelina, it is easy to see how deeply she cares for her daughter Mia. At just five years old, Mia has faced challenges that most of us could never imagine. Ewelina wanted to share her story to help other parents who are going through similar challenges supporting a child with acquired brain injury.
Challenges faced by Mia
Mia was born prematurely, and for the first two weeks, everything seemed fine. However, complications arose. This led to significant medical challenges, including cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, cortical vision deficit, epilepsy, hip displacement, and difficulties with swallowing.
Today, Mia is non-verbal and non-mobile. She requires full support for every aspect of daily living, from mobility using a wheelchair and hoisting systems to eating and communication. Despite these challenges, Mia is a bright, happy, and determined little girl. She loves Barbie, dressing up as a princess, and listening to her favourite song, Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’, which never fails to make her smile.
How AKA Case Management stepped in
Before meeting Elaine Ricketts, her Case Manager, Ewelina admits she had no clear idea what case management involved. ‘I knew we needed help, but I did not know what that would mean,’ she explains.
Elaine and her team quickly assessed the family’s situation and put plans in place to make life easier and more secure. One of the first priorities was housing. At the time, the family was living in a one-bedroom flat, which was far from suitable for Mia’s needs. Very quickly, Elaine helped the family move into a more suitable property.
Elaine, along with Assistant Case Manager Sarah Longshaw, has built a comprehensive support network around Mia. This includes an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and speech and language therapist, ensuring Mia gets the care and equipment she needs. The team is also exploring assistive technology, including communication aids that will allow Mia to express herself more independently.
But the help goes beyond medical and therapeutic needs. Elaine assists with everyday practicalities, from booking appointments to managing property issues and even finding a gardener. ‘For me, Elaine is like an angel,’ says Ewelina. ‘She does everything. I can always rely on her. She takes the pressure off me so I can focus on Mia.’
Advice to other parents
Ewelina knows how overwhelming it can feel when you are suddenly thrown into a world of medical terms, therapy schedules, and care plans. Her advice to other parents considering case management is simple:
‘When you are choosing a case manager, think about the future and how you feel when you speak to them. If you feel the connection, if the energy feels right, that is the most important thing. When I first met Elaine, I knew straight away she was the person for us.’
For Ewelina, the right case manager has become more than a professional; she is like family. ‘Now, when Elaine visits, it doesn’t feel like a meeting. I am happy to see her. She is part of our lives.’
Elaine on her approach to case management
Case management is all about keeping the family at the heart of everything we do. It’s vital to involve everyone, mum, dad, and siblings, because they all play a role in the child’s life. Ultimately, Evelina is the expert on Mia. She’s Mia’s mum, and she knows her better than any of us, no matter what professional expertise we bring to the table.
That’s why Ewelina is involved in every decision we make. Whether it’s identifying therapists or planning interventions, her voice is central. For example, when we’re choosing therapists, we always arrange three meet-and-greets. Evelina then selects the person she feels she can build a strong working relationship with, because this could be a long-term partnership. We don’t know how long these professionals will be part of Ewelina and Mia’s lives, so it’s essential that the fit feels right from the start.
Mia’s father, Petro, is also very much involved in the care and discussions, even though he does occasionally say, ‘Let the women get on with it!’ Which is fair enough, but we always make sure he feels seen and heard as well.’
Moving forward
Looking ahead, the family plans a much-anticipated trip to Poland to spend Christmas with relatives, something Ewelina has not done in six years. Thanks to the support of AKA Case Management, life feels more manageable, and there is room for joy and hope for the future.
Ewelina’s story is a reminder of the incredible strength of parents caring for children with complex needs and the vital role that compassionate, well-coordinated support can play in transforming daily life.