UK BLOG AWARDS 2016 – CARON CARES is announced as the WINNER
I sit at my desk and type this in a slightly melancholy mood. It is wet and grey outside reflecting the doom and gloom our nation is experiencing. We are amid the only pandemic I have experienced in my 52 years on this planet, sheltering in rural Devon I am slightly closeted, away from the blue lights and wailing sirens in many cities. Our care homes are under siege and the very people I have sought to ensure have the best last years are susceptible victims with thousands dying sooner than they should.
On the radio, they have just announced that the UK may have the highest death rate in Europe due to the Government slow response
With little to be positive about, the novelty of being a furloughed worker wearing thin now the warmth of the early summer sun has been replaced with the usual blustery April wind and rain – one thing cheered my morning. Not the announcement that Boris and Carrie have become parents – Congratulations to them though – no, the fact that on this day four long years ago this little blog was recognised as one of the best in the country! Yes, Caron Cares was announced as the winner in the Health and Social Care category at the UK Blog Awards in London.
I have never excelled at anything so this was a very special moment for me. I don’t write about something glam like food, fashion or travel – I write about issues that affect elderly people and those who care for them. This blog was born from wanting to share ideas and knowledge gained from practical hands-on experience of being a family carer, employed carer and student nurse.
I have used this blog to help people practically, in an emotional way and to some extent a political way. Like many before I have failed on the political side! The care sector was in dire straits before this damn virus got its’ hands on it. Now elderly people imprisoned by lockdown are sitting ducks with the virus entering the home with the care staff. It is not the fault of the staff, please don’t think I am blaming them.
Blame
The Government should have issued clear rules and guidelines. No-on in no-one out for the period of 14 days. Quarantine was the only way – but no one told the homes and only a few thought of it themselves. Carnage and needless and untimely deaths of thousands more elderly people will be the awful outcome. As I write the total deaths in hospitals nears 22,000 and care home deaths are rising sharply now. Who knows what our final loss will total?
RIP to all who have lost their battle and condolences to all the families who are grieving. I salute the social care sector and the NHS and all keyworkers, you are doing a wonderful job whilst the rest of us #stayhomestay safe.
I now feel a duty having neglected my lovely little blog to re-visit, freshen up and document the worst medical disaster of our times here.
