New Merton-wide volunteer scheme is launched
A volunteer scheme to improve the quality of life of people in Merton's care homes has just been launched.
Merton Council has just launched its Dignity in Care Scheme as part of the Celebrating Age celebrations.
The scheme will train up volunteers to go into care homes to ensure residents have a good quality of life. The volunteers will also be providing information for the care home managers about a range of activities already happening in the community which older people can get involved with, enabling them to play a full part in the life of their community.
The initiative was first proposed by Merton Seniors Forum who applied to Comic Relief for some pilot funding.
Merton Council added to that funding and a steering group was set up involving Merton Voluntary Service Council, Merton Seniors Forum and Councillor Linda Kirby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health.
Age UK Merton won the contract for training up the volunteers who will be looking to ensure that residents have privacy, a voice, a comfortable environment and respect in their home.
Councillor Linda Kirby said: "There has been a lot of concern about how safe care homes are, particularly in the media over the last year and also with the problems that have existed with the Care Quality Commission. We are hoping that this new scheme will give our residents some comfort that there is another pair of eyes looking out for their health and wellbeing."
September 24, 2013
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