Dominic’s story

“My name is Dominic, I am 59 and have recently moved to Chelmsford. My last job was plumbing which I’ve had to give up due to my health condition. Other previous jobs include driving lorries and selling cars. My main interests are cars or anything with an engine, playing my car games and spending time with my dog.

I have a rare condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) which is life-limiting with multiple issues including memory function, speech, muscular pain and balance. Eventually I will lose all of my motor functions and will need a wheelchair full-time, which is why Farleigh Hospice is supporting me.

I first heard about Farleigh when they were supporting my father-in-law with his terminal condition. When I was at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, my consultant referred me to Farleigh for emotional and physical support as there is no cure for my diagnosis and they do a wonderful job.

Farleigh’s care and support helps me in lots of ways – physically, mentally and emotionally - which makes it easier to cope with my illness.

I used to drive rally cars, so one of the hardest things for me was having my licence revoked because of my condition. My occupational therapist, Emma, approached another charity, the David Randall Foundation, for funding and they kindly donated a driving simulator, which I really enjoy and it helps keep my brain and muscles exercised.

Without Farleigh’s help and support, my life would be more dismal and emotionally draining. I’d feel more shut off as they give me and my family advice and refer us in the right direction for help and advice from councils and other services. My advice to others looking for the same support is that Farleigh Hospice cares for people with different types of life-limiting illnesses, so you shouldn’t be frightened if you do need to reach out for help.

If you don’t directly need Farleigh, please support this charity as, without them, many people would be missing out on the vital care and help they need to continue to live their lives as normally as possible with their conditions.“

Occupational Therapist, Emma Bullock, explains how she adapts her care and advice to meet each patient’s individual needs, leading to some innovative ‘high-speed’ support for Dominic.

“I help to improve people's quality of life by adapting their environment or adapting the way they might usually do things, so they can continue to live well and do things that are meaningful to them, even with an illness.

I mostly go to people's homes and start by looking at their basic needs – their activities of daily living (ADLs) - to make sure they're met. For example, can they get in and out of bed and get to a toilet? Can they wash themselves and get dressed? If they need help, I suggest ways to adapt how they do these activities and simple equipment to make them easier.

Once their basic ADLs are met and they are stable enough, we can think about what is important to them and what they want to do with their time. In Dominic’s case, driving is his big passion, so having his licence taken away was very difficult for him.

My partner and I both enjoy gaming. We have a PlayStation 5 and he has a steering wheel simulator that feels like you’re actually racing a car. I brought it into the hospice for Dominic to try and he absolutely loved it!

I wanted to get him a PlayStation and wheel of his own to use whenever he wants. David Randall Foundation usually funds days out for people who have life-limiting illnesses. I explained that this would allow Dominic to have a good day inside his own home because, with his illness, he cannot always go outdoors.

They generously bought him everything he needed, including an extra racing game and gearstick! Dominic is delighted that he can continue his passion for driving. It also helps him by stimulating his brain, muscles and co-ordination and it’s something he can enjoy with his family and friends.”

This story is taken from the Winter Lantern #112