The Care sector has long been underappreciated and misunderstood, and in 2020 has faced more challenges than ever before. With the recognition of the importance of keyworkers and the well-known and much-discussed isolated working conditions, Carers have operated within, it seems as though the general public is beginning to understand better the essential and critical services the care industry offers and maintains. We’ve all learned a lot this year, but what are the main lessons Abacus Care & Support have taken away from the coronavirus pandemic? Allow us to share…
Care workers are KEY workers.
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, recognition, and support quite rightly poured in for NHS hospital staff; but initially, other key workers, such as care workers in Supported Living settings, were largely overlooked. Thankfully, public perception shifted, and Carers were given the acknowledgment and respect they so deserve; along with a number of other professions. Carers continue to work under extremely isolated conditions even months after the first lockdown easing, with their support and care have given continuing to be a true lifeline to many.
Without Carers and Supported Living settings in place, 2020 would have seen considerably more people lose their homes, jobs, and lifestyles as they struggled to look after their vulnerable loved ones.
In dark times, candles shine brighter.
Care workers have never had an easy role but have had to adapt and innovate their working practices in order to sustain excellent levels of care. Abacus has always been extremely proud of the brilliant people that make up our carer workforce, but through 2020 we’ve seen them truly shine.
Carers have made additional PPE in their spare time, worked long hours to take up additional duties, facilitated families visiting through windows and clear barriers, and organised events to take place in car parks, gardens, and shared spaces – all ensuring that those being cared for can enjoy the quality of life they deserve, even in the midst of rules, regulations and vast societal change.
The human touch cannot be replaced.
Whilst everyone wants nothing more than to hug and touch their loved ones, this just hasn’t been possible this year. Carers have worked hard to set up video calls and socially distanced visits, but in the absence of families and friends being able to be physically present, they’ve really stepped up in an unprecedented way. The carer/cared-for relationship has moved on and really transformed into trusted friendships that have helped all navigate the tumultuous times we’re living through with mutual support and the promotion of positive mental health. True connections have been made and relationships forged in ways we could perhaps never have predicted before now.
Never has the role of carer been broader, more important, or more of a lifeline than it has through the coronavirus pandemic. Spanning lockdowns, rule changes, and vaccination rollouts, conditions have been stormy and Carers continue to steer a steady ship. Now more than ever their services are needed, and their skills nurtured. To care is truly human, and if people have needed anything this year, it’s other people.
Thank you to all our Carers, and the wider team, that play a valuable role in making our work at Abacus possible. Even despite the challenging times, we are really happy to get continued positive feedback from those we support.