7/1/2010 - Carers and volunteers thanked for anti-freeze efforts as care for vulnerable people continues : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for adult social care has sent a huge message of thanks and appreciation to all the carers and volunteers working through the freezing weather conditions to ensure that the county's vulnerable people are getting the right support and care in the cold snap.

Numerous stories of selfless determination from carers have been filtering in since the snow and freezing conditions arrived. One carer who could not get to work by car walked for two and a half hours through the snow to get to work and assist with discharging older people from hospital so they could return to their own homes. Another fought her way by foot up a hillside near Ambleside assisted by members of Kendal Mountain Rescue so she could deliver three weeks worth of food and medication to four elderly people on a remote farm. Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue also assisted in getting meals on wheels volunteers to deliver meals to seven service users. Other vulnerable people have had heaters delivered to them after their own central heating systems broke down. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service assisted in delivering urgent medication to two vulnerable people in Longtown.

The county council's adult social care department has contingency planning arrangements to ensure that care can still be delivered to vulnerable people in adverse conditions. The council has a database of local contacts who can help reach service users if its own carers are unable to get to properties. These include vulnerable people's families, friends and neighbours. The county council is also in constant contact with volunteer organisations, agencies and contractors which deliver care on its behalf to assess and address any problems.

Age Concern is also making contact with its own list of volunteers - many of whom have access to 4x4 vehicles - to offer support and help.

In such a prolonged cold spell with the logistical problems presented by the travel difficulties, it is inevitable that there has been some service disruption, but the county council's number one priority throughout has been to safeguard vulnerable people and preserve lives.

Some day centres have closed temporarily as service users either cannot or do not want to travel in the cold weather. Staff are however, making welfare checks on anyone who would have used day services to ensure they are have access to food and are warm.

Volunteers from the meals on wheels service are continuing to deliver meals to service users and, where necessary, walking in when roads are too bad to drive on. Although there has been some disruption to meals on wheels services, contingency arrangements are being made when necessary.

Care workers are showing flexibility in where they work as travel conditions are difficult, although the closure of many schools in the county has had an impact on staff numbers as childcare arrangements need to be made.

Meanwhile the county council is asking people to look out for any vulnerable people who may live in their area and to make sure they are alright. An offer of helping with shopping or a quick home visit could make all the difference in the current conditions.

Anyone whose carer does not turn up should contact their care manager or Cumbria County Council's adult social care department and we will ensure alternative arrangements are put in place for you.

The contact details are as follows:

Allerdale - 01900 706325

Barrow - 01229 407894

Carlisle - 01228 227000

Copeland - 01946 506352

South Lakeland - 01539 713377

Anyone who doesn't receive care from us normally but is experiencing problems then please contact the county council on the appropriate number as we will endeavour to help you as well.

An out of hours emergency contact service is also available on 01228 526690.

Cllr Eddie Martin, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member responsible for adult social care said:

"It's been a fantastic effort so far from a huge number of different people to ensure older and vulnerable people are safe in the cold weather. Friends, families and emergency services have all been stepping in to offer vital support. In meals on wheels, a lot of our volunteers are elderly themselves and the fact that they are continuing through this atrocious weather is testament to their dedication.

"It looks like the freezing conditions are here to stay for the foreseeable future, so I'd urge everyone to plan ahead and think how prepared they are for the cold weather. Have ample food stocks, look out for vulnerable people near you and support your community. If you can see a problem emerging, get in touch with social care before it turns into a crisis."

It's particularly important that older people follow this advice:

Keep warm - the cold weather can make heart and respiratory problems worse.

Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up.

Wear several layers of warm clothes.

Keep rooms –including the bedroom –warm and close windows. If your house is cold, body temperature will drop and catching a cold is more likely.

Warm the bedroom and bed before turning in for the night. Your bedroom should be kept above 18°C overnight.

Keep as active as possible.

Remember to wrap up warm if you go outside.

If you are over 60, money is available for winter fuel bills.

Be on your guard against bogus callers (for instance, callers who claim to be utility officials asking to come in and check your services).