Abacare calls on drivers to lend their wheels during bad weather
A WELSH care company is asking owners of 4x4s and other off-road vehicles to volunteer their time and wheels to assisting carers on their routes during bad weather (February 2018).
Abacare says carers visiting the elderly and vulnerable in remote parts of the country can find it very tricky on foot or in their own cars during bad weather, especially heavy snow, and is calling for volunteers to help.
Sarah Williams, Registered Manager at Abacare, which has offices in Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “We recently experienced heavy snow and there looks like more to come this week (Tuesday, February 6, 2018), which made it very tricky for our carers to get to our service users using their normal vehicles as they aren’t made for such conditions.
“Luckily, we had some very helpful offers from people in the community who were able to drive our carers around the area to ensure that all our elderly and vulnerable service users were cared for, however, we are always expanding the areas we provide care in and it would be great to have a list of volunteers we could call on should the weather become too difficult.
“Anyone who owns a 4×4 or other off-road vehicle and can potentially offer their time during future spells of bad weather can get in touch with me by calling 01443 742645 with their details and we will call on them should we need help. Of course, people are not obliged to help and if the day or time is not good for them, that is not a problem, and they can be removed from the list at any time.”
Abacare operates a professional Care Management Team that is committed to providing high-quality care to individuals in their own homes.
The large team of trained, specialist, care workers provide positive based outcomes and person-centred care to people throughout Wales.
Sarah added: “Wales is a beautiful country but bad weather, especially snow, can make getting about very tricky, however, we will always do everything in our power to get to all of our service users and provide the care they need.
“Winter is our busiest time of the year and we’re also looking for caring, honest and reliable people to join our award-winning team and provide care to our service users across the country.
“No experience is necessary to become a carer as we offer free, full training, which includes a company induction, first aid, information on dementia, health and safety, food safety, infection control, handling medication and moving and handling service users, with the opportunity to achieve Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) after the initial six months probationary period.
“New recruits are given free uniforms, access to national staff discount scheme for all major brands as well as 28 days paid holiday, paid travel between calls and paid mileage.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is looking for a career or someone who just fancies a bit of a change. Being a carer is an extremely rewarding job and you get to meet lots of wonderful people too.
“We’re also offering FaceTime or Skype interviews to candidates in order to meet the demands of the modern job seeker. Our view is that busy people wanting a career change can ‘meet’ us via FaceTime or similar applications and find out about the roles we have to offer, as well as meet a couple of team members and, if they are about, also say ‘hello’ to a carer too.”
Anyone interested in joining the team at Abacare should visit www.abacare.org.uk or call 01443 742645.
Abacare’s core values, instilled into every staff member, include ‘make us proud’, ‘focus on our service users’ wellbeing’, ‘communicate, listen well and speak with respect’, ‘be passionate, honest, caring and considerate’, ‘recruit and develop the very best’ and ‘lead by example’.
It believes it offers inspiring work for inspirational people.
It is a member of the United Kingdom Homecare Association, Ceretas (formerly British Association of Domiciliary Care), The National Homecare Council and The Information Commissioners Office (Data Protection). It is also registered with the Care Social Services Inspectorate Wales.
Abacare has been awarded an Investors in People accolade for its staff training and development for the fourth year running.
Investors in People is a national standard, which provides a framework that helps organisations to improve performance and realise objectives through the effective management and development of their staff.
