“Thank you for saving my life”

Less than two weeks after collapsing and becoming unconscious at home, Hales service user Steve is back at Parkside Court and says he feels “excellent”, thanks to the quick response of two Hales Heroes, Sam and Augustina.

“Thank you” does not feel enough for Steve.

Less than two weeks ago, he was struggling to breathe at his home at Parkside Court. Moments later, he collapsed and became unconscious.

Hales Registered Manager Sam Hagen and Senior Care Worker Augustina Akande responded immediately, helping Steve safely to the floor and monitoring his breathing while emergency paramedics were called.

When Steve began breathing again, they placed him in the recovery position and stayed with him until the ambulance crew arrived.

Now back home and feeling, in his own words, "excellent", Steve presented Sam and Augustina with flowers to thank them.

"Thank you doesn’t seem enough. I can’t thank you enough because the words are not there. My tears and the flowers are from my heart."

When asked what he thought would have happened had they not been there, his answer was simple:

"I’d be dead. Thank you for saving my life."

#morethanjustcare, a lifeline.

For Steve, what happened that day also demonstrates what having care around him means. He describes the support he receives as “a lifeline”.

The Hales care team supports him with medication and meals, but their role goes further than practical help.

“They’re always cheerful and if I have a problem of any kind, they’ll sit down and have a chat with me and we’ll talk it over.”

For Sam and Augustina, Steve being back home and enjoying life again means more than the flowers.

Sam Hagen shared: “It’s amazing to see Steve home and looking better than he has in months. In that moment, Augustina and I just acted instinctively and did what we needed to do to keep him safe until the paramedics arrived. I genuinely thought we were losing him that day, so seeing him back at Parkside Court, getting involved and enjoying life again means everything.”

Real-life Hales Heroes

For Nicola Mewse, Group Managing Director at Hales Group, Sam and Augustina's actions are a reminder of the skill and responsibility involved in care.

"There are people doing extraordinary things in social care every day, often without recognition. Sam and Augustina demonstrated exactly what it means to be a Hales Hero.

They were there when Steve needed them most. They remained calm, acted quickly and used their skills and experience to keep him safe until the emergency services arrived.

We talk a lot about recognising care as a skilled profession. This is what that looks like on the frontline of Homecare. We are incredibly proud of them both, and most importantly, delighted to see Steve back home, well and enjoying life again."

Less than two weeks after being taken to hospital, Steve is back where he wants to be.

As Sam puts it, he is "living and enjoying life".