Every Thursday, people throughout the UK throw open their windows and their doors as they collectively cheer for our NHS. We clap and cheer, whistle and hoot for those on the frontline of the Coronavirus, looking after the most delicate and vulnerable members of our communities. And many doing so on our behalves, to prevent our loved-ones from being alone and isolated.
And a massive part of those who are working so selflessly is the incredible system of carers and care workers throughout the UK.
So, how saddened were we to hear, and see, that many of our own carers all over the UK have been treated less-than-kindly as reports of verbal abuse and aggressive behaviour have started to surface as a result of what is being construed as ‘non-essential’ activity or ‘neglecting and irresponsible’ behaviour
We’ve been in touch with Jo Ellis, Lead Social Prescriber for the NHS, and sadly sentiment has been echoed.
Jo explains more.
“Carers in the community are delivering a vital role to those receiving care at home who do not have COVID19 but are also vulnerable. Sadly there have been a number of incidents where carers have received unpleasant abuse from members of the public when parking or for not wearing face masks, creating additional stress to them, whilst they continue to relieve the pressure on the NHS by caring for people in their own homes.
Current NHS England/Government and CQC guidelines for carers is that face masks are not required unless a client or family member is COVID19 positive, only disposable gloves and an apron, disposed of before leaving clients homes, following infection control guidelines.
Please give as much support to the carers in the community doing a critical role, looking after vulnerable people in their own homes and keeping them out of our busy hospitals and surgeries and do not abuse them at this stressful time.”
We absolutely echo Jo’s sentiments, and are so thankful for all those teams of Carers and care workers throughout our region who are working so hard to look after our Mum’s, Dad’s, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Neighbours and Friends.
We are living in challenging times, where we’re trying to make sense of our own existence and survival. Naturally, we will be challenged and become increasingly frustrated by the desire to just get life back on track. But never has the time been more relevant to just Be Kind. Remember that what you see may not always be what is actually going on. Be vigilant, absolutely. But be kind also.
So, the next time you see what appears to be neglectful behaviour, before passing judgement, perhaps consider that there may be another reason at play. And this Thursday, when you join the applause throughout the nation, why not ramp it up a notch for our amazing care workers who are just as deserving of our praise.
