At-Home Care in the Times of Covid-19
For some of us, we knew that our NHS, social care and mental health family were struggling. Successive governments failed to listen.
They failed to recognise this army of incredible individuals and sadly under-invested. Should it have taken this once in a lifetime storm to jolt society into action?
Paul Lilley, our Director who has responsibility for Strategic Development and Chairs the “Friends” Advisory Board writes:
When does CARE mean CARE?
We have all been blown away by our doctors, nurses, carers, ambulance teams, porters cleaners and everyone associated with care. They have been placing their lives, on the line, daily to do a job for which they are dedicated and passionate. This is a vocation, not just a job! I can remember my mum, wife, and brother constantly reminding me of this, as they dedicated a lifelong career to helping others in care.
Most of us, have always had the utmost respect and admiration for this army of unselfish individuals. We often catch ourselves thinking “I couldn’t do that”.
So how did society get so out of touch with those who, without their daily endeavours, many more would have lost their lives?
One of the main reasons, why I volunteered to become a governor of our Trust, was in some way to give something back. Thankfully there are 100’s more like me across the country who in some small way, do what we can and I know that it is very much appreciated not just by the managers but more importantly by the teams on the front line.
Now the whole world is on the same page – including the politicians. “Health care” matters and should form the bedrock of every society.
I am in no doubt, that as we get back to normal, whatever that might look like, governments will now fund, recognise, and reward, this vital sector, so invaluable to a cohesive and caring society.
However, it is going to look quite different as we start to come out of this pandemic.
We will have to resource it differently.
We will have to recruit across the board to ensure we are never again, exposed, as we have been.
We will have to recognise these individuals for the roles they undertake.
It is, for this reason, I believe that the 750k individuals that volunteered overnight must not be lost.
We must harness this population and encourage those that unfortunately have lost their jobs as a result of Covid. Or who just might want to do a job that means more to them than just a wage at the end of the month. To look at care as a career – a vocation. We will have to resource this movement in a way that we have not seen since the NHS was formed.
Recently we had an enlightening conversation with Sara Challice, best selling author of “Who Cares” whose inspirational but challenging outlook of care should be a must-read for all those engaged in the care sector. This conversation only confirmed that change is not only needed, it is essential if we are to deliver the respect that we all demand for those in society who are the most vulnerable.
Governments will not be able to do this alone, nor should they.
A trusted partnership with those sharing the same, values, aims, morality, ethos and genuine respect and obligation for our ageing population is essential or indeed vital.
Keeping people out of the hospital and protected in their own homes is paramount.
That is where an organisation such as ours, looks to play a part in the way we forge a new and responsible model of care.
A model where carers look forward each day to coming to work. They have the training support and time to spend with their clients. They are encouraged to do the sort of things, carers use to do 50 years ago.
A service where the elderly and vulnerable come first. Where we have time to share a cup of tea and listen to their memories.
Providing a service that unfortunately a lot of sons and daughters can’t, as they live away or abroad or their jobs don’t afford them the time to spend with loved ones, the way they would wish.
Companionship and compassion, does not require any training it requires an ability to listen and be there in their world
We can’t speak for other providers, but Friends Helping at Home have been driven by the aims that we have set out above. Being a team of dedicated, compassionate and client-focused individuals, who want to feel valued, invested in and rewarded, for a vocation in life, should now be seen for what it really is and that is – not desirable but essential.
Taking control of your life in a role that both rewards and delivers. Our owners and carers have an outlook that I suspect the care sector will strive to deliver.
We would encourage that population of 750k volunteers and the many more out there, to reflect on their choices ahead and if providing a vital service is something that you believe you can offer, don’t delay, take those steps today, to be one of those frontline heroes.
Are you a professional that could add value?
We are looking for like-minded people to join us.
There are numerous opportunities as our business grows for: suppliers and non-executive directors, advisory board members – business professionals that identify and share our values, ethos and way of working, in particular, those with a Financial, Marketing, Business Development background. Contact Andrew Richardson CEO.
About Paul
I am currently a director of my own company, Lucwin Limited, which provides advice and financial solutions to SMEs. I am also a director of Friends Helping at Home, a care business providing support to people in their own homes.
I am also a director/trustee of Osprey Learning Trust
For the majority of my career, 34 years, was with HSBC, as a senior manager, both in the UK and overseas. My last role was based in Cardiff looking after our business in Wales.
I have been actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce, being president at Frome and a founding director of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce.
I helped to establish a new Young Enterprise board for West Wiltshire, helping 15 to 16-year olds set up and run their own limited companies.
I have been a parent school governor and most recently a governor at Torbay and South Devon Health care Trust.
I am passionate about giving something back and driving a progressive agenda to deal with both current and future challenges.
I am a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and have attended
Insead and London business school, both in the UK and overseas, but most of my education comes from dealing with real-life situations.
I am married, have two grown-up daughters that I am incredibly proud of.
I love to travel to exotic and unusual locations in the world and love keeping fit. Spin is my passion, can’t wait to return to Spinergy here in Torquay.
