Highland Hospice and Highland Home Carers call for volunteers to help support the most vulnerable being cared for at home in their community during coronavirus pandemic
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Highland Hospice has formed a partnership with Highland Home Carers to recruit volunteers to help support those currently being cared for at home.
As coronavirus spreads there will be fewer people able to work in the care at home sector and those currently in receipt of a care package may receive either a reduced service or no service at all – with people who become ill and in need of a care package facing an extended wait without personal care.
The partnership wants to allocate each of these people a community volunteer who will check in with them on a daily basis, either by phone or in person.
If required, the volunteer may provide a hand with everyday chores like shopping and collecting prescriptions.
This does not involve the delivery of personal care but may, where both parties are willing and it is safe to do so, involve going into the home and helping with cooking and cleaning while adhering to current health guidelines.
Even if the volunteer would prefer not to enter the property the hospice could still use their support.
Volunteers will be provided with basic training and allocated a small number of people to keep in touch with.
Ongoing support and advice will be provided by hospice staff.
Where it is apparent that the person needs hands-on personal care the volunteer and the hospice will refer this to Highland Home Carers staff to help prioritise resources.
Kenny Steele, the hospice's chief executive, said: "We know that as time moves on more and more of the most vulnerable members of our community will need extra help, and many fit and able people will want to lend a hand at this difficult time.
"The hospice wanted to develop a focussed and directed volunteer opportunity that helps those in need and provides a practical and fulfilling role for our volunteers.
"Care at Home is the bedrock of our health and social care system and those that work in it deserve all the support we can give them."
Campbell Mair, Highland Home Carers chief executive said: "As the largest provider of care at home in the Highlands we are facing the possibility of a major fall in staff numbers and significant resultant impact on our vulnerable service users.
"As an employee-owned company we share many values with Highland Hospice. This partnership allows the two organisations to continue to support our community during this moment of crisis."
If you are interested in being a Highland Hospice Community Volunteer you can read more and apply online here.
