During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, Andrea’s life, like that of many others, was turned upside down.
Her days revolved around work, managing her father’s needs and checking in on his faithful dog, Phoenix. Balancing these responsibilities was already challenging but the added stresses of the pandemic made it feel overwhelming. One morning, as she sat in her car after a quick visit to check on her father, Andrea received an unforgettable call.
It was from us at Crossroads Care Surrey.
“You’ve reached the top of our waiting list,” our team member informed her, “but due to the pandemic, we can’t offer in-person visits right now. We’re calling to check in and see how you are.” Amidst the isolation and uncertainty, this simple gesture took Andrea by surprise. It was a rare chance for her to talk about her struggles – not only with her father’s care but with her own well-being.
From that day forward, we regularly checked in on Andrea. While most of her calls were from her father (sometimes as many as 16 in a day), our calls felt different.
These were her moments – a time to breathe and feel understood. Once lockdown restrictions lifted, we took our support further by sending Gill, one of our compassionate, trained care assistants.
Every Friday for three hours, Gill would visit Andrea’s father, offering companionship and a reprieve from isolation. Together, they would walk Phoenix, visit the garden centre for coffee, or play a game of Scrabble. Gill even helped Andrea’s father document memories in a “Dear Dad” book. The two bonded quickly. By coincidence, they both had worked at CERL and knew many of the same people, creating an immediate comfort and joy for Andrea’s father.
For Andrea, those Fridays became a profound relief. She could finally relax, knowing her father was safe and enjoying his time. Later, Andrea arranged additional visits with our care assistants, Catriona and Sue, allowing her an occasional evening off – a deeply appreciated break – even though her father missed her presence.
Andrea wasn’t her father’s full-time, live-in caregiver. She maintained her own home, managed her job and kept a life outside of caregiving. Still, the constant worry and the fear of each call took a toll. We reminded her that even part-time carers need and deserve support. Our service provided her with much needed “me time,” allowing her a moment to recharge and focus on herself.
Reflecting on her experience, Andrea speaks to the profound difference we made not only for her but for countless unpaid carers. We provided her with a lifeline during one of the most challenging periods of her life, helping her strike a balance between caregiving and living.
Andrea’s story highlights the critical role we play in supporting unpaid carers. Her experience is a testament to the impact of just a few hours of respite each week. She encourages others to support us in our compassionate work, which is vital in providing relief and care for unpaid carers across Surrey.
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