FEATURE
NHS frontline staff only currently. What about the UK’s army of carers working around the clock – and not just in care homes but also in 24/7 live-in positions in peoples’ own homes? The lack of testing means that some carers have had to self-isolate for a period of time in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, risking more staff shortages.
UNSKILLED, OR ESSENTIAL?
It was only a matter of weeks ago that the government unveiled plans to restrict visas for ‘low skilled’ workers, including carers. But now, in the latest lockdown measures, the only people who remain at work are those on the government’s essential key-workers list – including NHS workers and carers. This crisis has shone a spotlight on the roles that we actually rely on as a country to keep us safe, in good health and who are at the coalface of this epidemic. Carers are not unskilled, they are highly skilled in what they do, involved in activities in the day to day caring of people ensuring they live a happy and healthy life. Looking aſter people’s mental health, being a companion and encouraging social interaction, as well as shopping, making sure they eat well and maintain good hygiene – these are just a handful of roles that carers perform on a daily basis.
For elderly people that live alone and can’t see family at the moment, carers are more important than ever. They are dedicated to their roles, demonstrated through examples such as carers isolating themselves with their clients rather than going home, as they could pick up the virus from somewhere
twitter.com/TomorrowsCare
else and pass it on to their clients, which as we know could have serious health consequences.
LOOKING AHEAD
While we may be in the midst of a crisis unfolding day by day, we know that it won’t last forever and we will come out of the other side and return to ‘normal’ soon. But it’s likely that the landscape of work will be different for many people, with unemployment rates rising. One role that will always be needed is that of the carer, especially as we are living in an ageing society, and with this crisis shining a light on carers, more will see what a valuable and rewarding career caring can be. A carer’s presence can ensure that elderly individuals feel safe, secure and comfortable. Preparing nutritious meals, and everyday tasks in the home are a key part of the role, which is ultimately to improve the individual’s quality of life by offering companionship and support – a career which also allows you to give back to people that have already given so much of their lives to society.
It’s time that carers receive the recognition they deserve. Many of our own family members would not be able to live such a comfortable, happy and healthy life without them and in the current crisis, we’re depending on them to keep our loved ones safe and well. Thursday evenings have now become a time when we #ClapForOurCarers – and that should absolutely be for every single worker on the front line of this crisis dedicated to keeping us all safe.
www.consultuscare.com - 11 -
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
