Shopping is very rewarding. I never thought I would say that, but in these challenging times, the rewards I get are the grateful smiles of the vulnerable people I shop for and reassurance in the knowledge that they are safe inside their homes.
Shopping for their groceries is the least that I can do for them.
On one such visit to a local supermarket to shop for someone, I came across an elderly gentleman who was dragging a small trolley on wheels behind him that contained an oxygen cylinder. The plastic nasal cannula tubes took the place of a mask which most of the other shoppers, including myself, were wearing.
I asked him if he was managing to do his shopping and he answered. “Just about”. He was pale and finding it difficult to walk. He said that he had caught a bus from his home and had a few things to get for the week ahead.
He confirmed that he had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an obstructive lung disease resulting in long-term breathing problems and poor airflow.
Because of his condition and his age, this lovely, vulnerable gentleman is at extreme risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus.
I was stunned that he had left his home and made the difficult trip to the shop. I was afraid that he would do the same again and so offered the services of Crossroads Care Surrey and a Carer Support Worker to shop for him. With his permission, I took his telephone number and my manager arranged for me to shop for him the following week.
As I left the shop, he was waiting for the bus to go back home.
The following week, for him, I ventured into the local supermarket. For him, I got everything on his list and queued to pay for it. For him, I drove to his home and delivered his shopping to his door.
For him, shopping could be life-threatening and so I was glad I was there when he needed me.
For him, I truly do care.
