Autumn is here!
Cold winds and torrential rain have swept the country with accompanying floods and trauma for many…. I guess with Winter being just around the corner we should all be making plans for the inevitable cold snap that will follow. As a company we have to be ready and so do many of our Clients, we have a 4*4 vehicle to assist our Staff to get to as many calls as we can – we prioritise our calls for those who need the care service we provide the most – though we will endeavour to get to everyone whatever the weather. Our thoughts stray as winter beckons to those living alone or in isolated communities perhaps without the benefit of family or carers visiting. Power cuts, floods and freezing conditions and associated access problems may be a huge issue, – and may indeed put people’s lives at risk. Every year there are reports in the news of victims of hypothermia and other cold related issues – particularly for older people in our communities sometimes just around the corner from where we live. Hypothermia can be a killer and those living in a cold environment or those have additional problems such as infection may be more vulnerable. Our thoughts must go out to all those people doing fabulous charitable work – for those less fortunate than ourselves. Maybe tonight or when it really gets chilly – we could all pop in on someone nearby – and just check they are OK. When you go out snowballing and enjoying the game – perhaps we should spare a thought for those for whom snow means being trapped and isolated in their own homes, perhaps in one room, and completely alone save for the TV and phone. I tend to think that we owe a lot to these older people – they have been involved in shaping this country to be what it is today and although we may not always be happy with everything in or about our country – we must surely understand that things are much worse in many other countries around the globe and really we are very lucky to live here, and in the relative comfort and safety that we do – whatever the weather.
