"Excellent Care at Home"

In the past year my Dad has been cared for by health and social care services in Dumfries, some of which I have previously written about with him by my side.

My Dad passed away last week which led our family to think about how truly grateful we are for the support he was given during this time. We had reason to access services via Adult Social Work, Single Access Point and STARs which led to my dad receiving a package of care supplied by Rainbow Services. Dad wasn’t keen on a care package, my sister and I had been providing Dad with care and support prior to this, but he was sent an angel from Rainbow, Nicola, we couldn’t have done better if we’d chosen someone ourselves. Dad soon learnt to trust Nicola and they built up a great rapport, they would share lots of laughs, and we soon learnt that when Dad didn’t want to do something or eat something, we just used to get Nicola to suggest it to him and it was job done! She would keep us up to date with any concerns she had about him, when he was running low on supplies or if he asked for anything specific, she wasn’t only a great support to Dad but without realising it a great support to the family too! 

Soon after Nicola started caring for Dad, Jan became his Friday carer (and subsequently his carer  every second weekend), again Dad clicked with Jan too and they would often reminisce and again Jan would keep us in the loop of any concerns she had with Dad.

I can honestly say if it hadn’t been for these girls, we wouldn’t have had Dad for as long as we did, they really are made for the job they do and we will always be grateful for them. 

Sadly, last Wednesday, Nicola found Dad unresponsive and had to call for an ambulance, despite their best efforts, (thanks to Peter, Ros and the ambulance crew), Dad didn’t make it. 

In the days since Dad’s passing, we have been reflecting on the past year, and how thankful Dad was for the care he was given, 

In light of the immense pressure on care at home services, this should be seen as a really good news story, care services if you could clone Nicola then you really must try, in Dads words she is a gem!