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Margaret, their volunteer, helped Mrs Brown at home and took her husband to collect the weekly shopping for both himself and his ailing wife. Jean Laughlin, service co-ordinator, remembers: “Initially, Margaret started off by helping Mr Brown in his role as a carer for his wife. And, because he was doing such a good job, no one realised at first that he also was suffering from painful bedsores on his buttocks and heels.
However, as soon as we knew about his condition, we worked quickly with his district nurse to secure a double overlay support mattress, which has made a big difference.”
Local celebrity
“Before Margaret appeared on the scene, Mr Brown had to ring local shops and ask them to drop supplies round at the house – he couldn’t manage the walk himself. Now, however, Margaret drives him to the village then physically walks him around. He’s actually a bit of a local celebrity and everyone loves seeing him out and about – Margaret says it takes an age to get him out of the shops!
“The service has made a huge difference to their lives. Mrs Brown has been knitting scarves for the Red Cross shop and saving her pennies to donate. And now, with his regular shopping trips, Mr Brown has something to look forward to other than just looking at the four walls of his home and worrying about his wife. As a volunteer and friend, Margaret has been absolutely brilliant. She has a lovely rapport with the couple and they both really look forward to her visits.
“Importantly, there has not only been an emotional uplift – their health has also improved because they have got their lives back. They are happier, eating well and getting out and about more. Everything’s much better for them now – it’s a positive circle. It’s hard to overstate just how grateful they are.”
Learn more about our care in the home service
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History of the Red Cross
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