How can I get care in a rural location?
Now that the government has begun to ease lockdown restrictions, it is becoming much easier to visit and support those living in rural areas that need extra care at home. However, it can still be difficult to see loved ones, particularly if you are part of a local lockdown or you live miles away and are unable to see them very often.
To help you through these difficult times, here is some advice on finding care if you or and your loved one live in a remote location.
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Ask family to get you supplies
In response to the updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UK Government, many of us have been stocking up on essential supplies to get us through a period of social distancing. In a previous blog, we discussed the essential coronavirus shopping list and advised on the food, medication, and cleaning supplies that you should be purchasing.
Hopefully, your loved one may already have a selection of non-perishable foods in their cupboards, such as tinned goods. Fresh food is essential to maintaining your health, but it may be challenging to get these items if they live in a rural location and are unable to go out. If possible, you or your family could do a small weekly shop to buy the essentials for them. Try to focus on getting long-lasting perishable foods that will remain edible for longer. For instance, fruits like apples, oranges, pears and melons will last far longer than raspberries and strawberries.
Use delivery services
Most major supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Tesco, offer food delivery services. While this service has been extremely busy since the onset of COVID-19, with many people finding that delivery slots are booked for several weeks, regulations are now in place to support those who are vulnerable and these delivery slots are becoming much mroe widely available now that restrictions are easing.. For instance, from the 23rd of March, Sainsbury’s offer online customers aged 70 or over, or those living with a disability, priority access to online delivery slots, and most UK supermarkets still have priority hours, allowing the elderly, carers and NHS staff to shop for goods before the rest of the public.
Having food delivered is one of the easiest and safest ways to ensure that you or your loved ones have essential supplies. If they are unable to cook their own meals every day, then companies like Meals on Wheels are delivering home-cooked food to those in need to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious meals.
Consider organising care during the coronavirus outbreak
Healthcare workers are still working day and night to help fight the outbreak of COVID-19 and protect those who are most vulnerable. If family and friends are unable to provide the care your loved one needs, then you should consider arranging for a professional carer to support them through this challenging period.
In these circumstances, it is possible to hire a carer for support. They will receive home deliveries for the elderly, as well as support them with any other daily tasks such as cleaning and cooking. We have a team of dedicated carers on hand to provide safe and reliable home care throughout the Covid-19 outbreak. If you or someone you know is living in a rural location and needs support, then you can contact us on 0808 278 2589 to discuss how we can help.
Make sure you reach out and ask for assistance if you know someone who is house-bound and require support for getting essential supplies.