The team at Burnham-On-Sea care providers Neighbourhood Care have been working hard to ensure that the Coronavirus pandemic has caused very minimal disruption to its service.
A spokeswoman for the local domiciliary care agency, which is based in Burnham’s Victoria Street, says they have encountered issues in getting hold of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
She says: “As everyone is aware, the levels of PPE supplies available in the country are far from where they needs to but the council are doing their best to share supplies out to providers and our usual supplier has put limits on what we can purchase so we have had to purchase from elsewhere with hugely inflated prices.”
“Frustrating as it is, that businesses are trying to financially gain from this, the safety of our staff and customers is of the most importance.”
“We have Hand sanitiser, Gloves, Aprons, Face masks, Oversleeves, Shoe covers, Hair caps, Goggles and Full face visors for our staff to use all depending on individual situations. If we need anything else, we will do our best to get it.”
She adds: “Looking after our team is something we take great pride in all year round, but we are working especially hard to ensure they feel supported during these uncertain times.”
“As the government’s advice changes we are constantly updating our policies and giving the carers up to date information. Good communication is essential. It’s really important to us that they feel valued.”
“They know we are always at the end of the phone, they can collect more supplies of PPE whenever they need too or pop by to get a drink/food to take away.”
“Our staff have very positive attitudes towards our work during the pandemic. They are offering the constant reassurance that’s needed by customers who only know what they see on the news, making them worried and frightened.”
“A lot of people are suffering with loneliness more so than usual as their friends and relatives can not visit them or they are isolating for other reasons. We are keeping a much closer eye on all of them and have tried to make this a bit easier for them, encouraging video calls and conversations over the phone with their loved ones.”
“We have made an extra fuss of birthdays, sang songs and even danced. There is a little ‘pop up shop’ in our office, which is full of essential grocery items for our customers. These food boxes contain items such as tea bags, soup, cereal, milk, pasta, toilet roll, hand wash and baked beans.”
“Around two weeks ago testing for the virus was made available for our staff if they are to experience any symptoms or live with someone that does. It has definitely offered some reassurance that should it be needed – the test is there.”
“Our team have received a lot of appreciation from members of the public, kind offers of help with different things and donations. Such as a roast dinner for all staff and customers made by the windmill bar and bistro, Easter eggs from haven holiday park, mask clips from south west laser services and uniform scrub bags from groups on Facebook.”
“Carers have been clapped walking to their cars and complete strangers have stopped to say thank you. One lady in Highbridge even insisted on giving two of our carers money to buy themselves coffees.”
“It’s most certainly a stressful time for all, but if you have a good team behind you, you can get through anything.”
Members of the care team say they have been kept extra busy during recent weeks.
Julie Stent says: “Recent weeks have been scary times for most. A lot of people can stay in the safety of their own homes and get paid for it, we as carers can’t and to be honest I wouldn’t want too. This is my job, what I choose to do and I love it! No matter what is going on in the world I am part of this team and our work doesn’t stop. Our company have provided us with lots of extra PPE which takes away a lot of anxiety’s surrounding the virus, I feel more comfortable knowing I’m well protected.”
Imogen Hills adds: “I’m always proud to be part of this team, but especially proud during this pandemic. It’s difficult for everyone, like every parent I worry about what I could take home to my children but I’m also grateful for the measures my employer has put into place to ensure we are all as safe as we can, we have every single bit of PPE you can think of. The attitude of my colleagues during this time is truly inspiring.”
And Claire Nicholls adds: “I’m not going to lie, going out to work is pretty scary at the moment and some of the time, yes I would like to take the government’s advice and stay at home where I am safer. But what helps motivate me to keep going with a smile on my face is that Neighbourhood Care don’t just care for customers, they care for staff too. We are so well supported and looked after so that we can look after others, it’s a real partnership.”
Neighbourhood Care Owners Mike and Barbara Kaczorowski add that they want to thank all of their staff for their continued hard work and dedication.
“You are all truly appreciated, thank you for all that you do,” they say. “We look forward to celebrating with you all when this is over.”
