Royal appointment for Home Instead caregiver

Suraya Alvi, a senior caregiver who works at the Stockport franchise office, was selected to be on the call which was conducted on Zoom

Home Instead Senior Care was selected as one of the care companies to participate in a video call with HRH, The Duke of Cambridge as the future king looked to speak directly to front line care workers about their experiences during COVID-19.

The once in a lifetime call was set up by the Care Workers Charity at Prince William’s request, and Suraya Alvi, a senior caregiver who works at the Stockport franchise office, was selected to be on the call which was conducted on Zoom. The call included four other essential key workers from the care sector.

As well as wishing to hear first hand what it’s been like to deliver care during the pandemic, the Prince was interested to learn how the delivery of their service has changed and what the impact had been on wellbeing.

Speaking directly to Prince William about her experience of caring for older people throughout COVID-19, Alvi said: “The main thing we face is uncertainty from clients. We aim to reassure them that we will still provide the best level of care regardless of the pandemic.”

Alvi also spoke about the emotional turmoil it can bring for both clients and caregivers as the situation can be a strain both physically and mentally.

“The support from our office has been fantastic,” she said. “We have a support system at the office and wellbeing sessions, and you can always pick up the phone and chat with people. The office sends us thank you notes and leaves gifts on our doorstep, it’s lovely. The main thing is keeping well emotionally, and it can be really tough.”

Ending the call, the Prince thanked all the care workers and their colleagues for the “fantastic job” they were doing.

Karolina Gerlich, executive director of the Care Workers Charity, which exists to support current and former care workers with one-off crisis grants and advice, added: “The call was a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the amazing work of care workers and we really appreciate Suraya’s input from a home care point of view. HRH really took time to find out what it was like working in care, hear some of the challenges and recognise the important job our care workers do.”

Ruth Brown, Home Instead’s business development director added: “We are honoured to have been selected to take part in the call. Suraya represented our brand and her 9,000 caregiver colleagues across the network so well.

“The pandemic has highlighted the invaluable contribution made by the many people working in social care.

“In making this call, The Duke of Cambridge is helping to raise awareness of the work we do whilst also sending a clear message about the importance of mental wellbeing.

We are immensely proud of all our franchise teams across the UK, who are providing such a vital service caring for our older generation.”

Image: Kensington Palace