Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my last post, and for the emails I have had wishing us both well.
I thought I would write a little about Carers in the UK, not the entire Care system, which tends to be a minefield, but about the people who do the job.
I think if you looked at a map of England you would see blue clad figures scurrying across every county, running from client to client, putting on their aprons and gloves ready for the next one.
Most of the carers here are employed by Agencies, though there are Private carers also.
Social services recommends the amount of time and the type of care for the service user though of course one has a choice.
Our Carers are in general lovely people, both male and female.
They are rushed off their feet and are often paid the absolute minimum wage for a hugely responsible job. They get very little travelling time and the powers that be often have them on rotas which just are not viable. They work a half hour in one home, a quarter hour quick visit in another, an hour for a more needy person and so on.
Many of their clients live on their own, and it is a huge worry for the Carers when they go into a home of a very unwell person, not knowing what they might find. Some of our girls have had to call Ambulances, have found their client on the floor or worse.
It's a job for someone who can cope. There's no way one can go into it thinking it's all about making a nice cup of tea for an old lady.
They have a way of making my husband laugh, they are cheerful and reassuring, and one rarely sees their tiredness, though I know some of them do a ten hour shift.
Recently eight of our carers went to attend a funeral of one of their clients. I was touched to hear that. I know that most of our people try to go the extra mile, and I do respect that.
Yes, of course we have had some dire moments, but we are fortunate in that I am here to sort things out. And there have been sad reports in the media about Care and care homes that are, shall we say, less than perfect.( For that read, closed down in some cases).
It certainly is not cheap to have Care in the home, but if it's necessary then you make the best of it, appreciate their efforts and try to work with the carers to make their job a bit easier.
(stock photos used)
18 comments:
Good caregivers are priceless. I do believe there are precious ones who have the gift of caring for older ones of us and those with need of lots of care. I have a sister-in-law who was a hospice nurse and her gifts are so wonderful and appreciated.
Thank you for sharing about your life and for taking the time to comment on my blog when you are so busy. I am struggling with some health problems but it is encouraging to read about other people dealing with their struggles. Nancy
Here in the states my sister in law (a registered nurse) does in home visits through a private agency. It’s a special person who can do this personal care. I’m glad you have the carers you have. They sound like sincerely caring people.
Carers are some of my great heroes. My aunt (aged 93) has two carers four times a day quite apart from her daughter who, like you, does the 24/7 caring. And yes, I see those wonderful people at funerals because they really do care.
I agree with FC- we have many elderly folk connected to our church, who are so grateful for their carers and the hard work they do. I am always so impressed when they come along to funerals- often slipping in at the back [in between visits to their other clients] dressed in their uniforms - quietly acknowledging that this was more than a job, it was a true friendship. And yes, they are paid a pittance and work really hard. I am glad you and M have good carers and pray this support will continue
Thank you for sharing about the Carers and the hard work they have to do. I applaud anyone who does that type job....it isnt easy. One has to be a certain type of person to want to do it. There are good ones and some not so good ones for sure. We are blessed to have good ones caring for Jim and I am so thankful. They take a huge amount of the work off me on a daily basis.
Nurses, home health aides (probably what you call Carers) and all who care for the sick and elderly are the unsung heroes of the world!
It does seem the the elderly get so over looked. I have friends who have cared for their elderly mate and sometimes they are so alone in their caregiving because home health care is so expensive and isn't covered here by our Medicare program unless there are certain health conditions. I had hoped that in the UK with your medical programs, you'd have more support. Bless those who do work for low wages with love and kindness.
I recall the UK Carers who helped my mother in her later years when she lived alone. I enjoyed meeting them when I was home for a visit and was grateful to find them so gracious and kind. That is not easy work by any means and, as you say, they are often extremely overworked and definitely underpaid. People are living longer now with modern medicine. Often families are strewn across the globe, unable to be there for aging relatives, so these wonderful 'visiting angels' are so appreciated.
I'll get back to you again soon B, thinking of you both xx
I believe people who choose this career are angels!
I cared for my mother the last 6 years of her life. Thankfully, she was able to stay in her own little senior apartment not far from me until the last week of her life. Here in the US we have the American Agency on Aging. They were our lifesavers. They did so much for my mother & for me. When I didn't know what to do or what she needed I called them & they told me what was available & how it could help me. They cleaned her house, helped her bathe, cooked her meals. I did all of her shopping, laundry & dr appointments. It was a team effort & I was so glad to have their help because I had no one else besides my husband.
She lived in a sweet little apartment village in our small town with nice big trees & gardens around & a little community room where they planned fun socials. She was also just a walk from the fire department & they had to come help her a few times when she fell.
Caring for each other takes teamwork & the main caregivers often need just as much support at the person who is ill.
I'm glad you have good carers & that your husband can still be at home with you.
So glad you do have quality carers, I wish our country offered more affordable care and not only for the invalid but support for the relatives/spouse too - I think it would be wonderful to be able to give you someone to cook YOU a meal sometimes and get the laundry done and maybe take you to the garden centre and fill the boot up for you! I think the people that work as carers are very special.
Elizabeth, Caretakers (for the most part) are truly angels. Such long stressful hours for little wages. One must have a loving compassionate heart to be a caretaker. xo
It is heartwarming to know of generous souls who give of themselves to make the lives of others a bit easier. One of my daughters did home care for two different elderly men until each passed away. It was hard for her, but the experience enriched her life in many ways.
Carers are wonderful people who do an often difficult job. Home care is such a gift to those who don't want to go into a home and studies show that people are happier and healthier for longer when cared for at home. It's a huge commitment for the family members, too.
My husband is involved in care homes for the elderly and needy here, and it's a difficult task balancing needs and budgets.
I bet they find joy when they come to your home. What a lovely tribute to the good ones.
What a lovely tribute to those who provide in-home care! My dad is 96 and caring 24/7 for my step-mom who is in a wheelchair. As you can imagine, this is a huge job for him and just last month he was finally willing to accept help. They now have in-home personal care for our step-mom twice a day. We are so thankful for their help.
Hello dear Elizabeth,
It's the same here in Holland. Great respect for the people fulfilling the need of others like this. The bad news will find the news/papers/press but you seldom hear the good experiences ... When André had to be treated at home, we met a bunch of angels, unbelievable ...
Have a good day, my friend! Love, Carolien
Carers, nurses etc are most often indeed such selfless people and what a difficult job they have and the very low pay is such a pity! I am so glad you have the help though and find you very brave. Much love to you!
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