We have introduced a number of initiatives to support our team during these challenging times so they can focus on making a real difference to making our clients feel safe and reassured. We have also received great support from other local companies.
Carers have been supplied with ‘goody bags’ containing water, some treats, face masks, alcohol wipes and a thank you card as the company recognises the love and compassion they put into their work every time they step out their front door. One of our carers said “Thank you so much for the goody bag, so touching and the card was so lovely thank you. It means so much”. It’s the little touches that really make a difference at this time.
Debbie House, West Wiltshire Branch Manager has enlisted her husband’s help in making extra protective face visors for the team. Plus, Andy & Tanya Withers at Rotork, a manufacturer based in Bath, have also donated free face shields for the team for we’re really grateful.
The team have also received a generous donation of ‘mask attachers’ made by the Scrubs for the NHS & Carers Chippenham team which has been a welcome addition to make the masks more comfortable for the carers to wear.
Sarah Neate, Bath Branch Manager, has also been busy making homemade soap containing calendula which helps soothe sore skin as the carers’ hands have understandable got extremely dry with all the hand washing, they are having to do every day. Plus, one of the carer’s aunts sent in some lovely handmade ‘Squeaky Clean Antimicrobial Soap’ which has been a very welcome relief. One appreciative carer commented:
“Thank you for the soap. My hands, although dry, are not now sore and red.”
Our teams use Workplace daily to support each other and keep up moral - sharing jokes, great feedback from clients and regular updates. The branch offices have also been kept open throughout to ensure the carers have daily support available and can still access Personal Protective Equipment to ensure clients and them keep safe.
Setting up regular check ins over Zoom or telephone with carers, clients and family members who don’t live locally mean that everyone is feeling the team support during this challenging time. Kerri Gardner, Deputy Manager explains:
“ For those clients who have chosen to suspend their visits the team have been keeping in contact over the phone offering support and to check they are coping with the extra they have taken on.”
We have also received great support from local companies and organisations including free car checks for our carers to a drop off from Waitrose Melksham of lots of free essentials. The West Wiltshire team had one client who had run out of biscuits on her birthday, so the team were able to give her a box from the donation and Debbie House, Branch Manager explained:
“It truly made the client’s day.”
The extra support hasn’t gone unnoticed by the carers either:
“During the COVID-19 situation, Abney & Baker has pulled out all the stops. The clients’ families all feel relaxed that we’re taking things seriously. The retraining has been brilliant and welcome too to give us the confidence to continue giving the best care we can.”
“Throughout COVID-19 I feel we have been thoroughly supported and kept informed given the uncertainty of everything. I feel Abney & Baker have pulled together and worked well as a team to be the best we can possibly be.”
If you’d like to find out how we can support you during these challenging times do get in touch using your branch number below or book a call and we’ll get back to you.
Helping you to continue living independently and confidently in your own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 or email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com