Radio DJ Jo Whiley has spoken about moving her younger sister Frances, who has cri du chat syndrome, into a care home and said she is the “best she’s ever been”
BBC Radio 2’s Jo Whiley has shared some heartwarming news about her sister after she moved into a residential care home.
The host said her sister, Frances, is in the best shape of her life following her big move. The 59-year-old broadcaster has been an outspoken advocate for her younger sister who lives with cri du chat syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She’s been a voice for those with learning difficulties, highlighting how they’re often “neglected”.
Chatting to Saga Magazine, Whiley opened up about the tough decision to place her sister in a Mencap-run care home and the constant anxiety over Frances’ wellbeing.
She revealed: “So many people who were carers or had children or siblings in care said it was such a relief to see that, because it is so hard relinquishing someone you love to somebody else’s care.
“You worry so much. The one constant throughout my life is whether Frances is happy, and that awful feeling of, ‘Oh God, is she being looked after?’.”, reports Leicestershire Live.
“We’ve tried many different homes. Frances doesn’t sleep easily – she won’t sleep in her bedroom, she has tantrums, so you need a place that’s very tolerant of challenging behaviour and knows how to manage things like her running away. But right now she’s probably the best she’s ever been.”
Earlier this year, Whiley gave her Insta fam a glimpse into Frances’ life at the care home, heaping praise on the amazing care workers and staff for their dedication and support.
She shared: “I just wanted to share this because it’s so lovely and brilliant on many levels. My sister Frances lives in a residential care home. One of her brilliant support workers, Sarah sent me this film of Frances listening to my radio show last week.
“She heard me say it was Peter Gabriel’s 75th Birthday and then play ‘Don’t Give Up’ so you can hear her say ‘Happy Birthday Gabriel! !’ and then she sings along to the song accompanied by her beloved day-glo Furbies who look like they’re really going for it!”.
“Fantastic heart-melting stuff that I just wanted to share. Glimpses of life like this is invaluable to anyone who has a family member living in the care of others. If you do work in the care system – please know you are massively appreciated and the role you play in the lives of families is huge.
“Also the power of music and radio to bring joy and connectivity – never to be underestimated”. Whiley also opened up about the looming prospect of an empty nest as her youngest daughter Coco prepares for university, and how she managed when her eldest, India, flew the coop.
She revealed: “The first time I dropped India off I had to take a Valium. I guess we’ll go and see friends and away for weekends to fill the gaps.
“But actually I’m very contented in my own company, pottering about. It’s more the anticipation of an empty nest.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
