Simon Martin, a private carer for Helping Hands Home Care Warwickshire, has been announced as a finalist for the 2020 Care Heroes Awards.
Simon is nominated as a “Home Care Hero Individual”, a category that recognises the home care individuals that went above and beyond to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their clients during the pandemic.
Simon was nominated for the innovative ways in which he has enabled his customers to enjoy going out and about safely throughout the pandemic.
Simon is one of the carers for a Warwickshire customer who is reliant on his large motorised wheelchair for transport. But the customer’s wheelchair can create some difficulties when he wants to take a day trip into his local town, as a taxi alone costs £50 for a round-trip. Simon and the Warwickshire care team have tried to use community transport for the customer, but they soon discovered that it wasn’t possible because they live in a very rural area.
When Simon was in the process of changing his personal car, he decided to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle that could accommodate the customer, so he could take him out on day trips and make the most of his social visits. The customer was elated when he saw Simon’s new car and made his first request for a trip out: a drive-through McDonald’s!
Simon said: “It’s amazing to be nominated for this award, but the reason I do this job is because I love it so much. I am only one person in a team of really fantastic carers, and they all do so much to help our customers, especially during this time. I’m just very proud to be a part of such a great team.”
Monica Ahir, Area Care Manager for the central region, said: “Simon has a fantastic reputation across the team with the amazing ways he cares for his customers, and I’m so proud that he’s been nominated as a finalist for these awards. It’s so important that carers like Simon are recognised for the work they do, and I’m absolutely delighted for him. Whatever the outcome, Simon is a winner in our eyes. Congratulations, Simon!”
The Care Heroes Awards were launched earlier this year by Home Care Insight and Care Home Professional to celebrate the outstanding achievements of social care teams and individuals throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
If you would like more information on arranging care for you or a loved one, or are interested in becoming a carer, visit the Helping Hands website www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/our-locations/alcester/ or call 0333 414 3885 for care.
