DJ Calvert: Man without hands or legs secures new care package

A man born without hands or legs who was told he would no longer get a daily visit from a care worker has now been given a new care package.

DJ Calvert, who is 49, requires a care worker to help him shower and get dressed.

Earlier in November he was told those visits from carers would soon come to and end.

He feared this would force him to move to a care home and said it showed the social care system was failing.

Mr Calvert, who is from Portstewart in County Londonderry, has now been told an alternative care package has been sourced.

It will allow him to continue to live independently in his own home.

Speaking to the BBC's Evening Extra programme, Mr Calvert said that the news was "a big weight off my shoulders".

"I just think it's fantastic and I feel relieved now and I can look forward to Christmas," he said.

Mr Calvert's care was previously provided by an independent firm, Connected Health, on behalf of the Northern Health Trust.

In a statement to BBC News NI, the company had said that it could not comment on services provided to individuals, but that "like other care providers, we are increasingly stretched in ever more demanding circumstances".

It added that it would continue to lobby for the necessary resources.

Speaking on Evening Extra on 14 November Eddy Kerr from Connected Health said the sector was "struggling" in terms of staffing, resources and funding.

At the time he was informed that his visits from carers would end, the Northern Trust said it was working hard to find an alternative provider.

Mr Calvert said his care would now be provided directly by the trust.

Mr Calvert said the period of uncertainty over the future of his care was extremely stressful.

"It has to be honest been like a nightmare to me," he said.

He added that his mental health had suffered as a result.

Mr Calvert said he hoped his new care package "should be more stable and more reliable".

"Hopefully I will have them as long as I need them," he said.