How ‘inspirational’ Piyush lives an active life with ND Care & Support

Going to watch the football or rugby, seeing the latest James Bond film in the cinema or meeting your mates in the pub are activities most people take for granted. 

For Piyush in Cardiff, he appreciates every single minute of it and he loves being out and about. That’s because every day, he must overcome hurdles to live a fulfilling life.  

Born alongside his twin brother in 1999, Piyush and his brother had twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, meaning that they shared the same placenta and blood, and Piyush was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old. 

Now 22-years-old, Piyush isn’t able to walk or eat orally due to his cerebral palsy, so he uses an electric wheelchair and a peg for his nutrition, fluids and medication. While he can’t speak in full sentences, he can say ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ so he’s able to communicate most of the time and he has a communication device for more complicated conversations.

Meeting complex care needs 

The nature of Piyush’s needs means that he requires 24/7 care, which ND Care & Support provides on a daily basis. 

Our carers like Luke, Chris and Nigel have been with Piyush for 10 years and they are some of his best friends. 

It’s only natural for people with disabilities to feel frustrated but even more so when someone isn’t able to communicate as they would like to. Piyush’s carers understand his wants by picking up on the subtle cues that many people would overlook. 

Body language, movements with his eyes and facial expressions are the unspoken signs they use to help Piyush make his own decisions 
– a key principle of person-centred care. 

“Piyush’s motivation isn’t just to survive, he wants to thrive and enjoy life just like anyone else in their twenties,” said Luke. “He has such a positive attitude and his smile lights up the room. He’s truly inspirational.” 

His package of support reinforces his abilities, not his disabilities, and we’re here to give him the gift of independence and choice as much as possible, so he can live an active and happy life. Every day is different but we always take it at Piyush’s pace.

Living an active life 

Cerebral palsy can make it difficult to do daily tasks. Adaptions to the family home include a ramp for wheelchair access, a special bed and equipment like hoists to bathe. 

However, it’s the activities outside the house that make Piyush the happiest and fulfil him.

Although Piyush is non-verbal, he’s certainly capable of making his feelings known and there’s nothing he enjoys more than socialising. 

An avid sports fan, Piyush regularly goes to watch Glamorgan Cricket, Cardiff City FC and Cardiff Rugby. He’s rubbed shoulders with some of his heroes, including boxer Joe Calzaghe, musician Boy George and footballer Sol Bamba, and he left them all in no doubt who the real star is. 

Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Piyush enjoyed work experience at the Natural History Museum of Wales, giving presentations about different artefacts each week using his communication aid. Piyush has also attended the National Star in Pontypool, a day college for 16 to 25-year-old students with disabilities. The college promotes autonomy and participation, and Piyush will soon start learning at the Cardiff and Vale College where he can’t wait to meet more people and make new friends. 

Achieving Piyush’s potential 

Enabling people with complex needs to have control over their care is important. 

The care Piyush receives from ND Care & Support has helped to broaden his horizons and empowered him to engage with all sorts of experiences. 

“We always encourage Piyush to do things just like anyone else can, so we’re really proud of him and the way he achieves his potential,” said Luke, who doesn’t wear a uniform because Piyush wants to keep day-to-day life with his friends as relaxed as possible. 

Our role as carers involves a lot of things. From making sure Piyush’s posture is correct to supporting him when visiting his brother who is studying in Oxford, it’s essential to us that he is comfortable and feels confident in any environment. It can be really varied but it’s always rewarding. 

“Piyush is hoping to visit his family in Canada next year, which will be a dream come true for him, and we’ll do everything we can to help him plan and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. We absolutely adore Piyush, and we’re so grateful to be part of his lives.” 

Our support and care services 

A registered member of Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), ND Care & Support supports more than 450 individuals and their families, with over 350 Care Workers working across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan. 

Inspired by Piyush’s story? Get in touch to discuss your needs and find out how we can help you.

Alternatively, you can join us as a Care Worker and help us make a difference to people’s lives every day.