Halloween campaign for no ‘trick or treats’ on the elderly
A WELSH care provider is continuing its Halloween campaign for people to be more mindful of the elderly when ‘trick or treating’ (October, 2018).
Abacare first launched the campaign in 2014 to raise awareness of the elderly and vulnerable at this time of year.
Sarah Williams, Registered Manager at Abacare, which has offices in Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “Our Halloween campaign has been a huge success and we have received great feedback from elderly people and our own service users on how they have been able to enjoy a peaceful All Hallows’ Eve instead of one filled with anxiety and distress, which is why we are continuing the campaign to ensure the elderly no longer find the celebration frightening.
“We urge youngsters and their parents to be mindful of elderly relatives or neighbours they might have as many people living alone may find it too scary to open their doors to strangers on a cold winter evening. Many elderly folk are not as mobile as we are so getting up can be a real struggle for them and they could potentially have a fall on their way to the door, so we hope people will be understanding if they don’t answer and won’t retaliate by playing a nasty ‘trick’ on them.
“As a treat for the elderly, why not check that they are warm, happy and doing ok in their homes?”
Feelings of anxiety around Halloween is also known as Samhainophobia. People with the phobia can feel panic and huge amounts of stress throughout the Halloween period.
The thought of what the people at the door might do if they don’t answer it can be particularly worrying, as people have been known to throw eggs, flour, throw fireworks and start fires.
Sarah added: “As we have done previously, we will have a special poster available on our website for at www.abacare.org.uk/newsfor people to download and display in their windows to deter potential trick or treaters from knocking on their doors.”
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.
Abacare is currently recruiting new carers as winter is its busiest time of the year.
Sarah continued: “We are looking for people who would be committed to a role in care on a long-term basis so they can build great relationships with the service users we support. They’ll be able to carve out a career in the industry for themselves too thanks to advancement opportunities as we often promote within the company to help maintain our position of trust and allow continuity of care.
“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. Anyone interested should give us a call on 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.
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.
For more information about Abacare, please call 01443 742645 or visit www.abacare.org.uk. Alternatively, please follow the company on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/Yn4zmS or on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/visitabacare.
