That is the second time recently I've heard of health problems in cockers. I've never had a problem with mine and she's 14. My uncle's cocker/springer died at an older age with no health problems- she was hit by a car, my grandfather's cocker was a year older than Pepper so she must have been 13 when she died, my aunt's cocker was 15 when he died. Where are people getting these unhealthy cockers?
Back to grooming, I think you should learn to do it yourself. It's not hard at all if you get a blade that cuts the fur to about an inch or 1/2 inch length. You will be so proud of your work each time you are done.