Lee-on-the-Solent care agency staff speak about the reality of lockdown and PPE struggles
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Joy Ford, Nicky Crane and Monique Appleby are just three carers from Willow Domiciliary Care, based in Lee-on-the-Solent, who have been providing everyday care to clients who need them.
Thanks to the dedication of their boss, Julie-Marie Blyth, the trio say they have access to full PPE but Julie says getting the equipment hasn't come without its struggles.
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Hide AdThe 32-year-old said: ‘Covid-19 has affected us in ways we never imagined.
‘Our care staff have done amazing and I want to thank them all.
‘It is a huge risk to the company if we can’t source full PPE, however we have managed to get by and we are now fully stocked with help from our local community.
‘My main concern now is that workforces are allowed to reopen with PPE, this will limit the NHS, health and social care and all front-line workers even further.’
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Hide AdJoy from Fareham has been in the care industry for 30 years but hasn’t let the pandemic stop her from doing the job she loves.
The 62-year-old said: ‘It is worrying and our clients have been worried but we have been reassuring them and Willow has provided treats like fish and chip Fridays to keep everyone’s spirits up.’
Mum-of-two Monique, from Gosport, said: ‘We are the only people many of our clients are seeing and so we aren’t just providing physical support but also emotional as they are struggling with not seeing their families.
‘It has been worrying for us as well but Willow has been amazing and made sure we have full PPE to protect us.’
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Hide AdThe 28-year-old added: ‘I think the good thing is that people are now giving carers more respect which is really nice.
For Nicky, it was only last month that she came back to the caring profession after several years in education.
The 40-year-old from Fareham added: ‘This is a scary time but Willow is like a family and everyone is taking care of each other.’
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