Kerri Gardner, Regional Support Manager, Abney & Baker on the challenges of home caring during the Covid-19 Pandemic:
Our care team members are very much on the front line, caring for some of the most vulnerable people in the community. The Pandemic has definitely been challenging and has added pressure, but one thing has always remained constant - our commitment to and care of our clients…that has never changed.
We offer a range of services - everything from a 30-minute personal care visit to full day support and everything in between. What we’ve not been able to do during the current crisis is to take clients out and about and that’s something they’ve all really missed. Mental health has suffered and we’re seeing it now more than before as time goes on and some of our clients are spending more time alone. It’s a completely different way of life for them as they’re no longer able to receive visits or see family, friends or neighbours. Sometimes our carers are the only contact they have in a day.
We’ve been incredibly appreciative of social media, FaceTime and Zoom. We’ve been able to set up many clients with various technology so they can enjoy some contact with others which has been fantastic, we’re lucky to have had this technology at our disposal.
We’re fully equipped with PPE – gloves, aprons, masks, goggles and visors – and we ensure all staff maintain good hygiene and regular hand washing. We supply all equipment and sanitising products, so our clients don’t have to give that side of things a second thought. A few clients found all the PPE a bit daunting at the start but they’re familiar with systems now so things aren’t so scary.
Our carers are under a lot of pressure both physically and emotionally and are constantly reassuring clients and keeping them calm and happy during these difficult times. But, especially at the moment, the caring profession is more rewarding than ever.
If you’d like to speak to us more about care and support at home do give your local branch a call on the 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