A new working partnership with third sector organisation Crossroads Caring for Carers will provide support across the Island’s home care and community care services.
From this week (23 April 2020) Crossroads staff will provide care to individuals in their homes around the Island on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, for a 15 week period.
The move will free-up DHSC Community Support Service (formerly Home Care) to support vulnerable people in the department’s residential homes for older people, dementia care and adults with learning disabilities. Additional staffing is required to continue supporting residents at these facilities during the coronavirus outbreak, and to future proof the back-fill of teams while existing staff self-isolate or stay home to look after vulnerable family members.
The Community Support Service will also assist colleagues in the newly established Community Home Assessment and Treatment Team (CHATT) to provide support at home for those vulnerable people who have contracted COVID-19 but do not need admission to hospital.
Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford said:
‘Ensuring people live safely and comfortably in our residential homes is a priority, and staff have shown exceptional commitment during a very challenging time. Across health and social care we expected to lose staff temporarily, so naturally we looked to the third sector to help us through this difficult time.
He added:
‘The partnership with Crossroads offers an ideal short term solution. Rather than ask them to assist on an ad-hoc basis, we have agreed that they will deliver the Community Support Service as a whole. It is a job they are eminently qualified to do, as their staff are experienced in assisting people to live at home.
‘I thank the organisation for its enthusiasm and professional approach. The current situation has brought unprecedented challenges which need imaginative, practical solutions. I believe we have achieved this. Home Care is in good hands while we deploy our staff in crucial roles supporting vulnerable people in residential care.’
Chief Executive Officer at Crossroads Jackie Betteridge said:
‘Crossroads has been providing home care services for over 30 years and has the flexibility and professionalism to adapt to this project. All staff members have received additional training and all will have adequate PPE to ensure their safety and that of service users.
‘I am extremely proud of our entire workforce for coming together to take on this project. Their support and enthusiasm has been brilliant and I am certain they will do a fantastic job. This has been an immense project for us and I would like to thank our colleagues in the DHSC and across Government for helping Crossroads achieve this true partnership.
Mrs Betteridge added:
‘It has been wonderful to see charities across the Island come together alongside the Government to adapt to the current situation and provide support where it is most needed. We feel honoured that Crossroads is able to help our Island’s community during this time of need.'
