Care home residents back public appeal for care workers and volunteers

The public are being urged to become care workers and volunteers by residents at care home group Caring Homes to protect the elderly and disabled from the "rising threat" of coronavirus.

Residents at Caring Homes, which operates 68 care homes across the country, are backing the public appeal in the hope that people with or without adult social care experience will answer the call for help.

Caring Homes is keen to hear from as many people as possible, including people from the hospitality and travel industry and is offering training and support.

'Rising threat'

“The rising threat of COVID-19 for vulnerable people is well known” said a spokesperson for Caring Homes.

“And we are responding by preparing our workforce, our residents and their families for every situation. If you’re interested in a paid role, or if you are looking to volunteer your time to help in social care we’d love to hear from you.

“Particularly if you used to work in adult social care, if you are retired from this sector, or if you are from an industry that has been put on hold – catering, hospitality or air travel for example.

"Don’t worry if you’ve never worked in care before though as we’ll train and support everyone who joins us.”

Resident Marianne: 'Constant love and laughter'

Caring Homes’ recruitment campaign features their own residents expressing what family means to them.

Care home resident Jag, pictured with his care workers, says: “To me, family is having people around who make me feel safe”.

Fellow resident Marianne, seen having a giggle with care workers, says: “To me, family is constant love and laughter!”

In return for helping residents, Caring Homes said workers and volunteers will benefit from the Coronavirus Bill with regards to ‘Emergency Volunteering Leave’.

The spokesperson added: “The world hasn’t experienced anything like this for three quarters of a century. Some of our residents remember what it was like to struggle, to feel that level of fear and to lose loved ones.

"But they also remember what it was like to pull together as a community, to help others and to do their bit. You can do the same”.

To offer your help, visit Caring group's website www.caringhomescareers.co.uk or call its dedicated hotline number 01206 224 188.

click here for more details or to contact Caring Homes Group