1. My name is Janet and this is my story….

2. What life used to be like… I live at home with my husband and I have a daughter. I used to work as a registered nurse for the NHS for more than 28years. I was fit and healthy and enjoyed life like anyone else up until the 1990’s when I had a hysterectomy but still remained well. I used to like spending time with my family, spending time with my daughter when my husband was working.

3. My Health Journey In July 1996 I fainted and wasn’t feeling well. My colleagues decided to have me checked and that is when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, this was removed and 6 weeks of radiotherapy followed. My health gradually deteriorated from then. In 2006 I had a lump removed from my lower abdomen In December 2012 I had a left mastectomy following a diagnosis of breast cancer.

4. Continued… In April 2014 I was admitted to Harrogate suffering from seizures, after a month I was discharged home however from then on I required 24 hour care which remains the case today My husband always jokes that he knows I loved working for the NHS but they were taking me one bit at a time!

5. Before a Personal Health Budget My husband and my family were paying for all the care which was causing a lot of financial stress on my husband and my family and in turn causing anxiety. All of my care was provided by my husband who has problems with his back and my daughter who would come and help me get dressed every morning and evening which was a worry when she has 4 children of her own to look after.

6. After After being assessed as Continuing Healthcare Funded, my nurse suggested a Personal Health Budget. This allowed my husband to take control of the package and have carers from an agency to come in twice a day to help me get ready in the morning and in the evening. This also alleviated the financial strain on my husband and I which was a big relief. I also have respite which allows me a bit of a change in scenery and allows my husband and daughter some well needed rest.

7. Future Although I know that over time my health will continue to deteriorate, I am happy and content that I am in an environment in which I feel safe and comfortable with excellent care from the agency, my husband and my daughter. I am able to go out in my wheelchair when the weather allows and I know that there is less strain on my husband both physically and emotionally.

8. More information For more Personal Stories, please visit : http://www.peoplehub.org.uk/ For more information on Personal Health Budgets, what they are and how they work. Please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/healthbudgets/ Contact Continuing Care nurse on - 03003038294