I live in a Home Group sheltered accommodation scheme which houses the elderly and people with significant health issues.
The Housing Assistant has sat locked away in her office day after day doing nothing to make sure the residents are okay or ask if they need anything during this critical time. Instead of sitting on her backside she could easily go across the road to the local Tesco Express to get essentials for the residents so they didn't have to go out but no, nothing.
I telephoned her this morning to ask if she would put a notice on the notice board advising people of Middlesbrough Council's Vulnerable People Scheme. This scheme allows people with computers to register with them as an elderly or "at risk" person. Once registered you can go on any day and press the "I need help" button and tick a box describing what help you need such as food shopping, prescriptions or just needing someone to talk to while you are isolating yourself. I even gave her the phone number to call for people who don't have access to computers.
The next thing I get a phone call from the Housing Assistant saying "As you have said you are self isolating, can you tell us for how long?" I asked who wanted to know and why and was told that they are doing spread sheets about how long people are self isolating for. I was furious and asked her "Have you not been watching the news or the Prime Ministers news breaks? I am isolating for 12 weeks as recommended". I told her that by the end of the day I fully expect the Prime Minister to now enforce social isolation because people will just not listen. Personally I hate the expression "Social Isolation", surely this should be "Physical Isolation". You don't have to socially isolate this day and age where we have computers and telephones.
I was so dumbfounded that when I hung up I just got angrier and angrier.
I finally sent an email to the housing assistant and asked her instead of doing useless spreadsheets that have no use whatsoever, why isn't she doing everything she can, while she sits in her office day in and day out, to find things or services that can help people in the following weeks of social isolation. This social landlord are looking after their staff but are doing nothing to help their residents and I am disgusted with them.
Sorry to rant but this is so wrong in all aspects.
Written by
jillydabrat
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My 96 year old mother lives in a sheltered complex and has been informed that no one will be entering her home. She is almost deaf and practically blind She lives 180 miles from me but my brother does a lot for her but he can’t now go in either How terribly lonely she is and now she is worse off I agree that I’m sure there is more they could do to help in some way
They too will do no shopping etc and my brother has to leave it outside the door Not sure what the answer is to it but I feel terribly helpless as I can’t help her. Isn’t it awful when you suggest something they could do to help and do nothing. Keep well
I know how hard it is Pippa. One of the carers just face timed me with mum, just for a couple of minutes but it was so lovely. Have you asked the home if they will do that for your mum? It's only for a short time but just seeing her made me so much happier and she could see I was okay as well.
She has no carers. Just my brother who now isn’t allowed inside and he’s not really up to speed with technology but that was a good idea. Thankyou so much. Pippa
I live in a small over 55’s sheltered development. Our manager has justifiably isolated herself so she remains well enough to continue to do her job which has never included any personal care for the residents but we do have a monitored push button emergency system that alerts a call centre. We are lucky to be a very sociable community here and we are keeping an eye on each other, especially the more vulnerable ones, at a safe distance of course! However, the most disabled residents have their own carers but we don’t yet know what will happen if their carer becomes ill or is advised to stay away.
The local major supermarkets are beginning to give the elderly and vulnerable priority delivery slots for shopping. They leave the delivery outside the door and don’t use face to face contact. We are having prescriptions delivered by our local pharmacy and a network of local volunteers have been organised for shopping, prescriptions and any other difficulties. We telephone, FaceTime and email each other for company. I feel very lucky.
Hi there, I perfectly understand the care assistant isolating herself but to get basic information about delivery services is not to much to ask. The info I found online helps the residents here to be able to contact reliable and safe people who will do their shopping. There are some very sick and horrible people who are saying they will do shopping for seniors and then take the money. She could have done all of this from the comfort of her office. What will spread sheets do?
The frustration and concerns you've all voiced are extremely valid. It is good that you are an advocate for the residents jillydabrat but I'm sorry you've had to fight for it t this already challenging time!
I found the first clear device about the isolation last night. Look at this link below:
There are other links from within the document the most relevant being in the section:
How can you get assistance with foods and medicines if you are shielding?
This is to ensure people who have been advised to isolate are not left without food, medicines and other essentials.
It also makes clear:
If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example, if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected. The advice for formal carers is included in the home care provision
I hope Pippa that this is something that can help Mum. It's a huge worry for you. I hope you manage to feel reassurance very soon with some concrete support made available to you.
Heard on news that elderly people in retirement homes in Spain had been abandoned. I nearly cried. Hope that doesn't happen here. We need more protective clothing to be delivered. The careperson in your accommodation sound useless. I'd be angry. Presume you are elderly, sorry if you're not. Take care.
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