[W]ith snow and ice all over the roads this week and many elderly vulnerable people living alone in some of this countries most sparsely populated countryside, it’s imperative that local home carers make it through to clients in snow-bound rural areas.
Cold weather alerts have been issued by the Met Office for more heavy snow and further low temperatures; conditions that cause challenging journeys for local home care workers. Carers like Briony Guy who made it into work at Eden Country Care this week with help from Dan Tarney company director.
Eden Country Care Limited the areas main home care provider, posted on 28 February: ‘Thanks to the local people of Alston, Dufton, Appleby and Fellside who have volunteered to drive our carers in their 4×4 vehicles to local people waiting for care visits. Even the worst weather can’t dampen Cumberland and Westmorland community spirit.
Heather Tarney, Registered Care Manager at Eden Country Care explained that, “our home carers are out in all weathers 6.30am until 11pm every day of the year visiting clients in some of the remotest parts of Cumbria. But this week we have had offers of help from local people with tractors and four wheeled drive vehicles to help us get to even the most remote locations. Whether it be floods or deep snow, our communities rally around in times of need. Thank you to all the Good Samaritans who have helped our carers this week and our amazing carers themselves.”
Heather had a request for people with elderly neighbours, “Even if you know your neighbour receives home care, please consider small things that you can do to help them in this current cold snap. When people cannot leave their homes little gestures can make a real difference like helpful neighbours who salt paths, pop to the shops, call in for a cheery chat or to make sure someone is warm enough can raise the spirits (which is life-changing when you’re stuck at home or in bed).
Please keep an eye out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
