Wendover Parish Council Good Neighbour Scheme Visiting care need not be intrusive and is a great option for those needing a little helping hand Having a fall or accident which results in a hospital visit is an unfortunate yet all too normal occurrence. Falls and fractures are a common and serious health issue faced by many and can cause families a huge amount of stress, not only worrying about the accident but arranging work and family life in order to help their loved one. Visiting care is an affordable option and can be arranged at short notice locally.
Wendover Parish Council has been researching to find an appropriate Good Neighbour scheme adaptable to the needs of Wendover.
A visiting carer can be of use in many situations, it needn’t be an emergency. Many couples look after each other into old age whilst one partner becomes frailer and in more urgent need of help, the other finds their life curtailed and caring for someone 24 hours a day can be very tiring. Annabel is a Tring based yoga teacher who works with Ashridge Home Care as a visiting carer to a lovely couple in Wendover. Sadly, the lady is in advanced stages of dementia and friends and family noticed that her doting husband was unable to do any of the things he loved by himself anymore. He is 100% devoted to his wife but after some persuasion, and meeting Annabel, he now spends a couple of hours each week taking some much needed time for himself, simply walking into town or getting some fresh air, whilst Annabel stays with Barbara.
The Good Neighbour Scheme will involve the appointing of Street Area Wardens (SAWs) who will included in the process of identifying residents in need of additional support. SAW volunteers are not expected to undertake tasks or errands which make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable or for which they feel unqualified. These needs (often nursing or home help) will be sourced to attend.
The two main safety criteria are: • the health of all concerned • safeguarding against any abuse
Wendover Parish Council has consulted many local organisations for advice on who might volunteer and the type of support that might be needed, including: • shopping • prescriptions and over the counter medicines • pet care including exercise • childcare • regular contact
If you would like to volunteer to become a Street Area Warden (SAW), please contact Wendover Parish Council: “The first time I met the couple, we chatted for ages and Terry gave • 01296 623056 me lots of background on their life together so now when he goes • clerk@wendover-pc.gov.uk out, I can chat to Barbara about her past and she is comfortable that I’m someone she can trust. Barbara loves music. The first time I met them Terry played the piano and Barbara’s face immediately lifted and her happiness was evident. So now I always take my Bluetooth speaker and we have music on in the background whilst we have a cup of tea together and he goes out for a little break,” says Annabel. She continues: “As her life is very sedentary I try and introduce some gentle stretches whilst we are moving around to get her joints moving. Every little helps and doing even some gentle stretches can make a big difference.”
Please note that SAWs will be subjected to the usual DBS and other scrutiny before being appointed. Once the SAWs have been appointed they will take responsibility for a street or part of a street, hopefully near to where they live. They will deliver written information to the households within their area and they should be the first point of call for anyone in need. They will be given identity cards and show them to anyone who asks. Residents are encouraged only to use SAWs to help them in their time of need unless they have already made arrangements with trusted people Annabel also looks after a couple in Chesham who were unfortunate known to them. enough to both have had hospital visits leaving them unable to cope The Wendover Parish Council website, wendover-pc.gov.uk/, will with day to day tasks at home easily anymore. Like so often is the be updated as the coronavirus outbreak proceeds. Wendover case, they don’t have family nearby anymore, so a visiting carer was Parish Council Staff will be working from home and the Clock the ideal option. Annabel visits two or three times a week to help Tower will not be open. Notices will be displayed on the electronic them get to hospital and doctor appointments and make sure they noticeboard and in the Parish Council Noticeboards. These are are able to get some fresh air. She commented: “They are a lovely situated: sociable couple and we always have a good natter whilst I ensure • Clock Tower the house is clean and they are up-to-date with shopping. One day • Library Approach we might go out for a little walk if the sun is out, or I just make • Ashbrook Playing Field (aka Castle sure everything is tidy and in order, do some light housework and Park) some washing, but we always talk and have fun together. They are • Princess Mary Gate playpark a fantastic couple and I love to spend time with them. Being a carer is very rewarding and very flexible.” The government website to consult For further information about visiting and companionship carers please call is gov.uk/government/topical-events/ Ashridge Home Care on 01494 917344 or visit www.ashridgehomecare. coronavirus-covid-19-uk-governmentresponse co.uk to see the choices available. See advert page 10. www.wendovernews.co.uk
01296 624270
editor@wendovernews.co.uk
Wendover News April 2020
23
