Case study transcript - Susan Bick

Susan Bick

“I’ve got MS and I’ve had it for 33 years. Only in the last ten years has it really been a problem for me. My balance is the most badly affected thing, I don’t go to work anymore and I don’t drive anymore, so Direct Payments is absolutely perfect for myself because it gets me out the house. I receive Direct Payments from the social work department and it gives me the ability to employ somebody myself. I’ve been getting Directo Payments for about 2 years now. I didn’t have anybody for the first year, although we advertised but, we did have other people apply for the position but really weren’t suitable.

And then Lizzie came along and it just worked out perfectly. Lizzie had been made redundant and I was looking for somebody and it just worked out perfectly. I get Lizzie, my personal assistant, for 9 hours a week. We go to college one day a week, we also go to yoga and pilates a couple of other days. I get to meet people, different people and it is just a social thing as well, Lizzie is here just for a chat/blether and it’s been great and relieves the pressure on the husband as well.”

Lizzie Philip
Susan’s PA

“Basically it is a fantastic role to have. I get to work with an individual in their home and in their community. It’s a very down-to-earth work. I am helping someone get out and about which is very fulfilling, for me to see the difference in that person. For me, personally, to have an employer like Susan is fantastic.

Susan Bick

“Direct Payments they aren’t difficult to set up or maintain and I would recommend it to anybody who is actually looking for themselves or maybe relatives or family that need the extra support. It changed my life. If it wasn’t for Lizzie I certainly wouldn’t be out the house as often as I am, I certainly wouldn’t be at college or going to yoga-pilates. So yeah it has changed my life and I’m sure other people would find that as well.”