Parents and personal assistants – an interview with the parents of our client child, Ana and Benjamin
We meet Alex, who is 6 years old, and his parents, Ana and Benjamin, who live in a large city in Sweden. They recently received assistance and chose “Personal Assistants” as their support company, after previously trying the municipality.
Ana says that they were not satisfied with working with the municipality. “They said one thing, but then it didn’t happen in reality, so we decided to use a private service provider and we found the Personal Assistants website.”
They contacted Sophie Johnson, responsible for initiating the support tasks at “Personal Assistants.”
“Sophie was clear and made us feel safe with the support; we could always call her for any questions we had.” After getting started, both Ana and Benjamin began as assistants for Alex.
Ana and Benjamin describe that since there are so many things to keep track of regarding Alex, it helps to have a support company that is reliable. “We are very satisfied with ‘Personal Assistants’; you were accessible and very helpful in everything related to the support.”
Alex has a unique syndrome, which very few people in Sweden have. He will also be assessed for autism. Ana and Benjamin had to fight for the evaluation. “We do our best for our son, so that he receives the right help and support and can learn things like everyone else,” says Ana.
They also tell us how difficult the journey has been. From the age of 1.5 years, Alex started all medical check-ups and examinations, while his father Benjamin had not yet moved to Sweden. His mother Ana stayed alone in Sweden, with all that entailed. However, there is a positive aura in the family. Ana says that they decided to try to view life positively and make the most of the good things that happen. Ana and Benjamin say that they are a good team and support each other when things are difficult. Sometimes, both of them provide Alex with what he needs as well as care for their two younger children. Fear and anxiety are present regarding the future. “Benjamin supports me a lot; sometimes when he sees I am tired, he takes over and cooks all the meals, for example, and lets me rest,” says Ana. The family is an active family that enjoys being outside together. Ana also shows how they started working with visual aids. “I put these on Alex’s boxes so he can see where his toys are and connect them with words.” New adventures await in the fall, with adapted schooling for Alex.
Ana and Benjamin have created an environment where Alex can continue to thrive. “We know that sometimes it will be difficult, but we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to ensure that Alex has the best possible life,” Ana concludes with a smile. Although the future is uncertain, it is clear that with love, support, and the right help, there are no limits to what Alex can achieve.