Client’s Mother And Irwin Mitchell Issue Advice To Other Families Who Have Reduced Care Packages

The mum of a severely disabled boy has started an online blog charting how her son is living with self-isolation to avoid coronavirus.

George Eden-Taylor suffered a serious brain injury shortly after his birth which means he cannot walk, talk or eat and is reliant on a specialist team of carers.

The 14-year-old also has severe respiratory problems which means it is likely he will die if he contracts covid-19. The family has made the difficult decision to stop external carers being in contact with George to reduce the risks he is exposed to.

His mum Natasha, of Mansfield, has now set up a Facebook page, George’s Self-Isolation Diary, charting how the family is coping with self-isolation. Natasha hopes it will also inspire other families in similar situations as well as reinforce the need the people to stay at home during the current lockdown.  

Natasha is receiving support from Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Court of Protection Team. The lawyers manage a settlement and care package that George received following his injury to ensure it lasts for his lifetime.

Expert Opinion

“George has a range of complex needs and the care and support he receives makes such a difference to his daily life.

“However, understandably given George’s severe respiratory condition the family has chosen to discontinue care for the time being to reduce the risks of contracting the virus.

“We hope that the determination Natasha and George continue to show in these unprecedented times inspires other families who may be facing similar uncertainty.

“While it is vital that everyone adheres to the government’s self-isolation rules, families should not feel that they are alone. Support is available and we continue to be here for the families we help.” Rachael Adams - Senior Associate Solicitor

George, who lives with parents Natasha and Shaun, as well as sister Ebonie, age 11, usually attends school and enjoys going out to the cinema, bowling and watching movies. He loves fashion and loves to follow the latest trends as well as listening to music and socialising with family and friends.

However, to ensure his safety he is now self-isolating at home. His carers are continuing to support George by collecting daily medical supplies and food he requires and leaving them outside the door. They are also keeping in touch with the family through video calls.

Natasha said: “Everyone across the world is going through such a hard time right now but George has severe respiratory problems which mean if this virus gets to him, he will not survive.

“Unfortunately in order to protect George we now have no support. Our amazing team has had to step away and help us away from the home. They are all continuing to work for us and we are fully supporting them so that they are ready to come back as soon as this is all over.

“This is hard for them but I know that George’s carers will endeavour to do their best and get back to us as soon as they can.

“Our journey is going to be a long one but it is something we have to do for everyone’s sake. We will make it work as we need George’s team and will do anything to look after them. George absolutely loves them all to bits.

“The idea of the page is a diary of our days. While this is mostly to help us get through this, distract my mind, emotions and most importantly keep in touch with family and friends, I am using this Facebook page as a positive platform.

“George has always had determination to be here and is real fighter. He loves life and his life is worth just as much as anyone else’s.

“I hope that the page will enforce how essential it is for everyone to stay home. That way George and other children can go back out again and make the most of life in the future.”

Top Tips

Natasha has issued the following top tips to help support families facing similar issues during lockdown.

• Keep reminding yourself that this is not forever and the reason why you’re self-isolating.

• Keep to a good routine. Go to bed and get up at your normal time. 

• Wash or shower and get dressed each day as if you were leaving the house.

• Eat as healthy as possible, never skip breakfast.

• Have a to do list. Think of all the things you’ve never had time to do before.

• If you’re caring for a loved one then keep to a good manageable plan. Don’t push yourself too hard as you’ll end up making yourself poorly.

• Prepare meals and plan ahead.

• Weather permitting get at least an hour outside. If you’ve a garden walk around it, find the sunny spot and sit alone or with the person you’re caring for and enjoy the sunshine on your face. Watch your children play.

• Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Try to take a little bit of time out by putting some relaxing music on

• Keep a diary, it helps me to get things off my chest.

• Read, exercise or find a new hobby

• None us are in control of this. We’ve just got to keep looking for a light at the end of the tunnel. It will be there one day soon.

For more information on Natasha’s blog visit https://www.facebook.com/Georges-Self-Isolation-Diary-2020-Covid-19-108988030742247/