For our Good Care Month series in July, we introduced you to Adegboyega “Ade”, one of our General Home Care support workers, who cares for Samuel “Sam”. During their time together, the pair have developed a strong bond, something of a brotherhood, uplifting and motivating each other. Ade shared the lessons and virtues he was exposed to during his time as a support worker – read on to learn about his story.
Sam (Left) and Ade (Right)
Firstly, we sought to understand Ade’s relationship to Sam, which he was delighted to share:
Ade: “I wouldn’t see Samuel as a client anymore. I see him more like a bro to me, an elder brother because of the kindness I’ve shown Samuel and I see how he appreciates that. That has graduated from two people helping each other to two people turning into family. The nature of this job has taught me a lot about life, in the sense that, it has humbled me, it has taught me that we have to live everyday as a moment because you can never tell what tomorrow will bring. I feel like being a support worker for Sam has really been life changing for me.”
From his armchair, Sam was eager to chip in, telling us: “I refer to Ade as my brother. That’s my brother! We might be from different mother and fathers, but that’s my brother. If someone were to attack him on the road I’d be right in there, I’d jump on the person’s back. As Nigerians say in football: I’m five and he’s my six.”
Despite his condition, the vibrance in Sam’s eyes when sharing begged the question:
How has Ade made a difference in your life?
Sam: “Ade has given me the courage to keep fighting the good fight until I’m able to recover, stand up and walk again for my daughter and my wife. He’s someone that’s believed in me and made me believe in myself. I just turned 37 this year and this situation has been life changing. It has made me value life and made me realise that you can’t take it for granted.
From May 2021, I was an active plumber, earning £300 to £400 a day. Now, I’m just sitting in my chair, as if I’m in retirement but I still thank God everyday that I’m still among the living because many people have gone through what I’ve gone through and haven’t made it to this stage.”
Likewise, it was clear that providing support for Sam had made a difference in Ade’s life. He painted a picture as to what his motivations were for entering the care industry in the first place, as well as the lessons he had leant along the way.
Ade: “In 2017 I had this sad moment in my life where I lost my mum. At that moment, I felt I didn’t do enough. Going into care was like a moving sanctuary for me that told me to always care for people that love. Because I wasn’t there for my mum, this is a way I can always pay her back, by always being there for people who need help and people who are vulnerable.
I didn’t know I was this patient, I didn’t know I was someone who could bring the best out of individuals. I wouldn’t say I look down on myself, but I’m someone who is willing to learn and the fact that I see progress in Sam makes me want to do more.”
If you want a dynamic look at Sam and Ade’s relationship, watch our Good Care Month reel on Instagram, which captures our interview with them in candid motion.