Patrick Kerns has been supported by the AKA team since 2013. Elaine Ricketts, Case Manager, has worked with him for eight years. Before the pandemic, Patrick was very sociable. He would go out frequently with support from his support worker to social events, attend, and engage in several therapies to help with his rehabilitation and pain, these included acupuncture and hydrotherapy. He even participated in a flying experience that Patrick had as a personal goal. Patrick really enjoyed this!
When the pandemic struck, lockdowns were enforced in March 2020. Patrick lived alone and was isolated from others for long periods. The AKA Team kept in contact with Patrick during this time, and his family took him food supplies, but no one entered his home.
This resulted in Patrick becoming quite reclusive, and even when the lockdown restriction was lifted, Patrick would avoid the company of others and was living a solitary lifestyle. He became disinterested and quite anxious about re-engaging and accessing the wider community.
Patrick reported he could not go out due to pain, which he reported had worsened due to the lockdown.
Breaking down barriers for Patrick.
Elaine and her team spent time with Patrick, listening to his concerns about going out and exploring the barriers that were stopping him from returning to his sociable self.
We identified that, alongside the increase in pain, Patrick reported that problems with his teeth were one of the reasons he had lost his confidence. Patrick had lost several teeth, and even though he had dentures, he was not wearing them because they were uncomfortable. Case management arranged for Patrick to return to the dentist, and he was fitted with new dentures, which he is now happy to wear and feels more confident with.
Post Covid we discussed readvertising for a support worker, even though Patrick was reluctant to have one, from experience we knew this would help to support Patrick with activities of daily living. Patrick was involved in the process, being offered meet-and-greets with different candidates, as it was vital that he could build a good relationship with them. After a couple of meetings, we successfully recruited someone whom Patrick liked and got on with.
Re-engaging with society.
Patrick built a great relationship with his support worker and made great strides in going out and re-engaging with others. Even though Patrick was struggling with his pain, he was keen to re-engage with therapy and try new approaches to improve the quality of his life. The support worker would take him to rehabilitation sessions, which included attendance at a pain management clinic.
The introduction of a support worker had offered Patrick a new lease of life. We were so proud of Patrick when he told us he was getting a treadmill, exercise bike and even an electric bike to spend time outdoors. As this exercise improved his lung function, which had been previously reported as reduced, it also enhanced his confidence and overall well-being.
Before Patrick’s injuries, he had loved gardening. Post-injuries, Patrick would potter and complete some of the work needed, but he gave that up during the pandemic. Now, he is back out there mowing his lawn regularly, and he has built the strength and stamina to complete this task himself without support.
With continuous support and encouragement from the AKA team and his support worker, Patrick has even begun attending social events. Before he goes out, the support worker ensures that everything is organised to make the experience as smooth as possible. For example, they check the availability of parking spaces nearby and the accessibility of events, and if needed, secure a mobility scooter for longer walking distances.
Patrick recently watched a live band in Leicester, something he hadn’t done in a few years, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Patrick also loves Indian food and usually gets takeaways to eat at home. However, with newfound confidence, he decided to dine out at a local restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Then, unfortunately, Patrick’s support worker had to step down due to personal reasons in 2024. AKA’s Emma Bralee, Assistant Case Manager, stepped in to support Patrick to keep momentum and consistency to allow Patrick to still receive support to attend appointments at the pain management clinic and to medical appointments. Emma also supported Patrick with a pre-booked Jimmy Carr comedy event, which Patrick enjoyed. Emma shared that Patrick was continuously laughing throughout the show.
As Emma’s support of Patrick was a temporary measure, we supported Patrick in identifying and recruiting a new support worker in March 2025. Patrick reports that he is enjoying the shifts with his new support worker, Chelsea. Patrick has been engaging in batch cooking and continuing to use his treadmill and electric bike. Whilst Patrick still enjoys the odd McDonald’s or two, he is attempting to embrace a healthy eating lifestyle
Patrick has recently been on a UK staycation holiday with his family and their pet dog. This is the first holiday that they have all had together for many years. Patrick enjoyed the long weekend away and appreciated AKA securing the mobility scooter for him to use whilst away. Patrick reports he wants to do this at least once a year, as it gives him time with his family, which he enjoys. (as you can see from the holiday picture of Patrick and his family)
It has been an absolute pleasure supporting Patrick in regaining his confidence. Patrick is going from strength to strength, and with his new exercise regime and lease of life, there is no stopping him!