From Home to Horizons: Jayne’s Adventure
For over twenty years, Jayne’s world was small. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her late twenties, her condition gradually progressed, and by the age of 45 she required full-time live-in care.
As her mobility declined, so did her confidence. Day-to-day life became increasingly restricted, and outings, holidays, and travel felt completely out of reach.
“Before I had live-in care, it was just sitting here, watching TV. Not going out. Nothing at all.”
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Like many people living with complex conditions, Jayne began to believe that travel and adventure were no longer possible. For years, her world rarely extended beyond her front door, and the idea of going away, let alone abroad, felt unimaginable.
Everything changed when Shannon, her dedicated live-in carer, came into her life. From the very beginning, Shannon brought more than just practical support. With warmth, patience, and gentle encouragement, she began helping Jayne rebuild her confidence and reconnect with life beyond the home.
“Shannon gave me confidence. She showed me that everything is possible.”
At first, progress came in small steps, local outings, trips to the beach, and time spent enjoying the outdoors. Over time, those small moments added up to something much bigger. Jayne started to believe that her life could be more than routine, and that her diagnosis did not have to define the limits of her experiences.
A Journey Once Thought Impossible
With growing confidence and the reassurance of having expert support, Jayne made a bold decision: she wanted to travel again. Together, she and Shannon planned a three-week trip to South Africa, Jayne’s first holiday in over two decades.
What might have seemed overwhelming was made possible through careful planning and attention to detail. Shannon meticulously arranged every aspect of the journey, ensuring Jayne’s comfort, safety, and independence at every stage. Flights were booked with Qatar Airways, including a stopover in Doha, with airport assistance and wheelchair support organised in advance.
To support Jayne’s mobility while abroad, Shannon arranged wheelchair hire and a mobile hoist, allowing safe and comfortable transfers into and out of a standard hire car. This flexibility meant Jayne could explore at her own pace without being restricted to specialist transport or rigid schedules.
Accommodation was chosen just as thoughtfully. The property was fully accessible, with a flat layout, a walk-in shower, and plenty of space to move freely. Set close to the beach and surrounded by beautiful gardens, it offered both comfort and tranquillity, the perfect base for a relaxing yet adventurous stay.
“I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Shannon organised everything. She gave me the confidence to know it was possible.”
Highlights of the Adventure
Once in South Africa, Jayne’s days were filled with moments she had once only dreamed about.
Sunset Beach was one of the first highlights, a breath taking introduction to the coastline and a powerful reminder of how far Jayne had come.
Chapman’s Peak followed, with scenic drives and jaw-dropping views that felt almost unreal.
“It was like a dream,” Jayne recalls.
Although windy conditions prevented a cable car trip, Table Mountain still delivered awe-inspiring views and unforgettable moments.
At the Cape Town Waterfront, Jayne soaked up the atmosphere, live music, dancers, delicious food, and the joy of being part of it all. She even found herself dancing along, fully embracing the experience.
There were lighter moments too, including a visit to one of the largest shopping malls Jayne had ever seen, where she treated herself to a haircut, a small but meaningful milestone in reclaiming independence and confidence.
Jayne also did something she hadn’t done in decades: she used public transport. With Shannon by her side, she navigated a bus journey, supported by kind and helpful people along the way. For Jayne, it was another powerful reminder that barriers often exist only because we assume they do.
Every experience reinforced a simple truth: life does not have to be limited by illness or disability.
“Don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t do something. You can go anywhere, travel anywhere, anything’s possible.”
Looking Ahead
The South Africa trip was more than just a holiday, it was a turning point. Jayne returned home with renewed confidence, a sense of achievement, and a belief in what she can still accomplish.
And this is only the beginning. With trips to Iceland, Dublin, and Rotterdam already being discussed, Jayne’s future is filled with possibility, excitement, and adventure.
At The Live In Care Company, we don’t just provide care. We help people rediscover confidence, achieve personal goals, and live fuller, more meaningful lives, wherever in the world that journey may take them.
