Medical Loan
We can provide items, such as wheelchairs, commodes, bed-rests and bath-seats on short term loan.
This could mean being able to go home instead of staying in hospital, after illness or injury. A visit to see friends or family, or even a holiday, might be possible with the right equipment. A loan of medical equipment could also make life easier while
assessments and permanent supply are being arranged, for those with longer term disability.
For example: Having spent several weeks in hospital a man was unable to leave without a wheelchair, but the hospital did not have one available. By borrowing a wheelchair he was able to go home as planned.
Transport and Escort
Sometimes people need help to make important journeys. For some people travelling on public transport, is just not possible, and they may not have access to a car, or any form of private transport.
A driver, and/or an accompanying escort, can help people to make essential journeys. This could mean being able to get to hospital or doctor¹s appointments, visit family or friends, do some shopping, pick up a pension, or get access to social services.
For example: A young mother needed to take her severely disabled son to a hospital and look after a toddler at the same time. Our driver picked her up from home with an escort. The escort stayed with them during the hospital visit and then the driver returned to take them home again.
Domiciliary Emergency Personal Care and Respite Care
Sometimes people need extra care at home. Carers can be called away suddenly, fall ill, or need a break. British Red Cross volunteers can take over a carer¹s normal tasks for a short time. This could mean the difference between being able to stay at home or going into a residential care home.
It could be that the need for care increases for some reason, such as when a person¹s condition suddenly deteriorates. Volunteers can care for people in their own homes until their condition improves or more permanent care can be arranged.
For example: A young man was cared for by his mother. When she was taken into hospital for a minor operation, it looked as if he would have to go and stay in an unsuitable residential home. British Red Cross volunteers were able to care for him until his mother was returned home and then supported them for a few weeks.
Home from Hospital
Returning home after hospital treatment can be traumatic. British Red Cross volunteers can offer support and practical assistance to help people settle back into their own homes.
This could mean people are able to leave hospital as soon as the doctors say they may, and return home without worrying about how they will cope. Volunteers can make the home ready for the persons return, help prepare meals, collect prescriptions, build confidence and carry out other tasks depending on what is needed.
For example: An elderly woman returning home after several weeks in hospital needed support. A volunteer made sure there was food and essential supplies in the house for her return and then visited regularly to help with day-to-day tasks. As she adjusted to home life the visits became less frequent until she was able to cope on her own.
Tracing and Message
Armed conflict and disasters in different parts of the world can separate families, preventing them from keeping in touch. When war or disaster strikes people may be taken as prisoners of war, flee to refugee camps, or move to shelters.
In these circumstances the Red Cross is often the only means people have to let their relatives know what has happened to them. Through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement relatives are found and family messages delivered, when all other means of communication have broken down.
For example: A man living in the UK, had not heard from his son for many months. Fighting in the Jaffna peninsula of Sri Lanka had broken all contact between them. The British Red Cross contacted the Red Cross in Sri Lanka and a message was delivered to the son.
Therapeutic Care
Therapeutic care involves hand care and massage, and neck and shoulder massage through clothing. This simple combination is very enjoyable as well as beneficial. It provides a gentle treatment for people who are feeling anxious, tense or ill.
Volunteers
offer the service wherever there is need. Currently ,the service is available in hospitals, doctor¹s surgeries, mental health units and hospices. On medical referral the service can also be delivered at home.
For example: A woman in a pain control clinic noticed a definite improvement after a therapeutic care session. She found it very stressful waiting for treatment and the massage was very beneficial. The volunteer was able to spend time talking to her and after the session the woman remarked on how much better she felt – “better than any pill or potion”.
For any enquiries please contact:
BRITISH RED CROSS
Tel: 01929 865174
or ring us our Helpline No:
0845 600 0002
(charged at local rate)