Care in the home
| "My volunteer's visits helped no end. They gave me something to look forward to."
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The Red Cross helps thousands of people following a short stay in hospital and prevents unnecessary hospital admissions by providing extra support and care at home.
How do we help people?
The support offered by our volunteers can smooth the process of settling back into a normal routine and enable people to regain their confidence and independence. The service includes:
- rebuilding confidence
- collecting prescriptions
- offering companionship
- assistance with shopping.
What skills and training do our volunteers have?
Our volunteers have good interpersonal skills and an understanding of the differing physical needs of service users. All our volunteers are also provided with basic training in social care and first aid skills.
How do I get in touch?
The service is available on a short-term basis and is provided free of charge. Referrals are accepted from GPs, primary care trusts, hospitals, social workers and individuals. For further information get in touch with your local Red Cross branch office, which can be found in the near you section.
Could I volunteer for this service?
Without volunteers, we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others. Become a care in the home volunteer.
True story: Volunteer provides care at home for vulnerable Max
Following a major operation, Max was worried about how he would cope alone at home until a Red Cross volunteer offered to make regular visits to provide much-needed support.
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As he recovered in hospital, Max (54) from Eastville in Lincolnshire, had grown very anxious about the prospect of returning home. But then the hospital contacted the Red Cross and soon a care in the home volunteer came to visit Max on the ward.
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Max remembers: "I was really worried about how I would cope at home but the volunteer said she could do all the running around until I was in a position where I could do more for myself. .
Invaluable support
He added: "Once I was home, she visited me every two weeks and her help was invaluable. She drove me to the supermarket and pushed my wheelchair round the aisles so I could do my shopping.
It was a tremendous help, not only physically but also emotionally, because it meant that for one day I was actually out of the house and talking to people, and her visits just helped no end. They gave me something to look forward to and to structure my week around.
A few months on, Max is feeling much stronger and has rediscovered his appetite. He also recently went for an interview and may soon be starting some part-time work. He said: For the first time in two years, the future for me is on the up!
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