Do you have a calling for caring?
Campaign highlights importance of role
A new campaign has been launched in Perth and Kinross to support carers in the area.
The initiative, called ‘Why Should I Care?,’ aims to help elderly people continue to live independently at home by highlighting the importance of care workers and the vital role they play.
There are more 1500 people receiving home care services across the region, and the campaign hopes to provide more job opportunities and work closely with those being looked after.
Diane Fraser, head of adult social care at Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We want to make sure people in Perth and Kinross who need care and support can live at home independently, and have the high standards of care they deserve.
“To achieve this we need all the companies who provide this care and support to have the caring staff they need to fill current vacancies.
“To help them with their search, we’re launching a campaign that asks people to consider a career in care at home - one that will really make a difference to the lives of elderly people and vulnerable people here in Perth and Kinross.
“We are looking for people of all ages and backgrounds - the main thing is that they would make an excellent carer, with qualities such as kindness, empathy, patience and being a good listener.
“It is very important for a carer to be compassionate and to be able to offer reassurance and support.”
Perth’s Anne Graham, one of the service users, said: “Because I have MS, I am in a wheelchair, so I have people who help me at home with things like getting washed and dressed, and it also means I am never on my own for too long.
“I have different carers coming to see me, and I hear a lot of great stories from them - they are like a real breath of fresh air!”
Those who want to register their interest in becoming a carer can text ‘CARING’ to 60777 or call the team on 01738 475000. Graham Senior care assistant Lyndsay Clark and service user Anne