AS HOT WEATHER continues, British Red Cross coordinator highlights simple ways to help people stay safe at home after being in hospital
As periods of hot weather continue across Wales and parts of the UK, a British Red Cross coordinator who has spent the past two decades supporting people after hospital stays is highlighting the simple steps that can help people stay safe and well at home.
Helen Williams, 67, who supports people across Gwynedd and Anglesey through the British Red Cross Home from Hospital service, says checking in regularly, encouraging hydration and helping people keep cool can make a significant difference after a stay in hospital.
Based near Caernarfon in north-west Wales, Helen helps people returning home from hospital regain their independence. The service, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, provides short-term practical and emotional support to people recovering from illness, injury or surgery. For many, those first few weeks back home can be daunting.
Helen said hot weather can create additional challenges for people recovering at home, particularly older people living alone. During periods of high temperatures, her team may increase contact and provide extra practical support.
She said: “During hot weather, we check in with people more regularly to make sure they’re okay and have everything they need.
“We encourage people to drink plenty of water, keep curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and use fans where possible.
“When we’re shopping for people, we might pick up extra drinks or lighter foods, and we remind people to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.
“Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference.”
Helen and her team may also suggest shopping trips during cooler parts of the morning or evening and help people think about ways to keep their homes comfortable during hot spells.
Helen joined the British Red Cross in 1999 as a transport escort coordinator before moving into the Home from Hospital service, where she has spent more than 20 years helping people rebuild their confidence and independence after leaving hospital.
Helen said: “Some people have been in hospital for quite a long time and they’ve relied on other people to help them.
“They go home on their own and it’s a big shock to the system. They don’t know what to do and how they’re going to move forward.
“We’re there to give that initial support and help them organise their lives for the future.”
No two days are the same for Helen and her team. Helen starts her day reviewing referrals from hospitals and community teams before contacting patients and their families. Depending on what someone needs, she might organise shopping, collect prescriptions or simply spend time talking to people.
She said:”We’ve helped people fill in forms, find financial support, put money on electricity meters and bought clothes for people who came into hospital without any belongings.
“Sometimes social services ask us to prepare somebody’s home before they return. If they’ve been in hospital for a long time and there’s old food in the fridge, we’ll sort that out.”
Working in a largely rural part of Wales presents its own challenges. Many of the people Helen helps have retired to the area and now live alone, often far from family and with limited transport links.
She explained: “Lots of people come to live in our area from other parts of the country.
“Their spouse has passed away, their family lives away and they don’t have much local support. A lot of people are lonely.”
The service often helps people rebuild their confidence as much as their independence. Helen remembers supporting a woman who was struggling with her mental health and was afraid of leaving her home. Over time, she accompanied her to the chemist, shops and cafés.
She said: “I was just there helping when needed and allowing her to do it herself. In the end she told me, ‘I feel now I can actually do it myself. You’ve given me so much confidence to go out by myself.’”
Despite the challenges, Helen says the people she meets keep her motivated.
She said: “Most people are absolutely lovely and they have such interesting stories.
“I met a gentleman who had been the captain of massive ships and travelled all over the world. Another had been an airline pilot.
“You just don’t know what people have done with their lives until you sit down and talk to them.”
At home, Helen’s life revolves around animals. She has three dogs, horses, a cat and is preparing to adopt another rescue cat. That love of animals often finds its way into her work too, whether walking a service user’s dog or helping someone feel confident enough to take their beloved pet out again after illness.
Even after two decades of service, Helen remains as passionate as ever about the people she supports.
She said: “I do enjoy meeting people and helping them. You meet people when they’re at their most vulnerable, and if you can help them get back to normality and regain their confidence, that’s the important thing.”
For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.
Visit the British Red Cross website for more information.
