Take extra care of elderly as clocks change says care provider
PEOPLE in Rhondda Cynon Taf are being urged to keep a closer eye on elderly relatives or neighbours after the clocks go back one hour this month (October, 2017).
Evenings will get darker after the clocks change on Sunday, October 29, which could affect elderly people.
Karina Barrett, Recruitment Administrator at Abacare, which has offices in Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “We deal with the elderly and vulnerable on a daily basis and through our experience we know that they are affected much more by the darker evenings and colder weather than more able people, so we feel it is extremely important to urge people in the community to make sure any older neighbours, friends or relatives that they might have are checked on more often.
“Darkness and bad weather limits the amount of time the elderly can get out of the house and run errands or socialise. Continuous bad weather might mean they aren’t able to get out for a good few days, so it might be worth popping in on them more often to check if there’s anything they need.
“It’s also a good idea to make sure they are kept warm with blankets and thick clothing should they need it. Making sure any of their pathways to and from their house or in their garden are well gritted to prevent falls is a good idea too. We have all weather cars at all of our offices to ensure we can service calls to remote areas in case of bad weather.
“Sometimes a friendly face is all that someone needs so simply just popping in to say hello and enjoy a cuppa is a great start.”
As part of its aim to combat social isolation Abacare provides personality matches when pairing up its carers with service users.
If carers and service users have similar interests they will be paired up, giving the elderly people someone they can trust and get on with on a daily basis.
Karina added: “We are continuously working to battle social isolation. We believe providing emotional care is just as important as the physical and we are committed to making sure our service users don’t feel lonely or isolated, especially in the winter months.
“Our advice for looking after the elderly at this time of year is not only for our carers, we hope people all across the country will take it on board and take some time out of their day or week to ensure anyone elderly they know is well looked after this winter.”
Abacare operates a professional Care Management Team that is committed to providing high quality care to individuals in their own homes.
The large team of trained, specialist, care workers provide positive based outcomes and person centred care to people throughout Wales.
It is currently recruiting for new carers in the area in the run up to winter, which is its busiest time of the year.
Karina continued: “We’re looking for kind and caring individuals to provide services across Rhondda Cynon Taf, so anyone who believes they’re right for a position should get in touch.
“No experience is necessary to become a carer as we offer free, full training, which includes a company induction, first aid, information on dementia, health and safety, food safety, infection control, handling medication and moving and handling service users, with the opportunity to achieve Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) after the initial six months probationary period.
“New recruits are given free uniforms, access to national staff discount scheme for all major brands as well as 28 days paid holiday, paid travel between calls and paid mileage.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is looking for a change of career or someone who just fancies a bit of a change. Being a carer is an extremely rewarding job and you get to meet lots of wonderful people too.”
Anyone interested in a position should call 01443 742645 to request an application pack.
Abacare’s core values, instilled into every staff member, include ‘make us proud’, ‘focus on our service users’ wellbeing’, ‘communicate, listen well and speak with respect’, ‘be passionate, honest, caring and considerate’, ‘recruit and develop the very best’ and ‘lead by example’.
It believes it offers inspiring work for inspirational people.
It is a member of the United Kingdom Homecare Association, Ceretas (formerly British Association of Domiciliary Care), The National Homecare Council and The Information Commissioners Office (Data Protection). It is also registered with the Care Social Services Inspectorate Wales.
Abacare has been awarded an Investors in People accolade for its staff training and development for the fourth year running.
Investors in People is a national standard, which provides a framework that helps organisations to improve performance and realise objectives through the effective management and development of their staff.
It was also named Britain’s ‘Most Outstanding Care Agency’ at the UK Over 50s Housing Awards in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
For more information about Abacare, please call 01443 742645 or visit www.abacare.org.uk. Alternatively, please follow the company on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/Yn4zmS or on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/visitabacare.
