Householders across Selby and York are being invited to open their doors to older people and those seeking some extra support this winter to help relieve pressure on the NHS.
If you have a spare room and time to give an extra hand as well as a cup of tea and a chat, then you could become one of a vital network of hosts providing short term accommodation for people needing a homely environment to help them recover after being discharged from hospital.
This is for people with minimal care needs who need an extra helping hand transitioning into their own home after surgery or a fall or perhaps they are feeling socially isolated.
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This community initiative is being launched by Cambridge-based CareRooms.com in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council. The potential hosts will be vetted, interviewed and DBS checked, and once approved will be paid £50 per night for the room, for stays of, on average 3-5 nights.
Hannah Wilcockson, manager CareRooms.com in Selby and York says: “Bed shortages in hospitals in the aftermath of the pandemic, means resources are being stretched. Our Hosts can really help their communities by offering a different sort of support than traditionally available.
“Many people lose confidence after being ill, especially if they have no support at home. Going back alone can be a really frightening prospect. But a short stay with a host in their community can give them the boost they need to begin living more independently again and help their recovery.
“For others they may need respite from looking after a partner with health needs. They don’t want or need to go into a care home, they just want a change of scene, somewhere friendly and inviting, where they can recharge their batteries”.
The majority of the individuals in need of the service have very minimal needs, however for those needing some element of personal care, they can have this provided by CareRooms.com or their local partner.
The latest tele-care and monitoring equipment is fitted in the rooms to ensure guests vital signs are checked constantly and there is 24-hour a day video access to a GP service.
CareRooms.com have stringent safeguarding measures in place and provide a comprehensive training and support package for Hosts and will only accept Guests who are suitable for this environment.
They can work flexibly around their existing commitments but are asked to serve guests with three meals a day (provided by CareRooms.com so no cooking involved) drinks, friendly conversation and ensure they refresh and clean the room after each stay.
Hannah, who lives in Brayton says: “The pandemic has highlighted how much our communities care and becoming a Host is an extension of that. I’ve always worked in the care sector and having been assistant manager of a care home in Selby, I know how important initiatives like this are in helping to both reduce social isolation and re-admittance to hospital”.
Lizzie Gaudin, CareRooms.com Chief Operations Officer adds: “We work closely with NHS Discharge Managers, Doctors and Nurses. Our aim is to create communities that care, and we are delighted to be partnering with North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council.
“But it is the people of Selby and York who will make this a success”
Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member of Health and Adult Social Care at City of York Council said: “We want to support people to live independent lives, and this offer of temporary support, with checked and trained hosts will help do just that”
“CareRooms will complement other supportive innovations in the city, and gives our kind-hearted residents another opportunity to help people in need in their communities.”
For more information about the CareRooms.com initiative or to arrange an interview, contact [email protected] or call 03331 212227.