Queensferry Care – Jessica: #BefriendingIs social and friendly!

27th September 2021

In 1992 Queensferry was recognised to be an area of the Lothian’s requiring out of hospital care for older people and including those with a diagnosis of dementia. A situation that often-left families isolated and struggling alone to provide care at home for their relatives. In September 1993 the organisation we know today as “Queensferry Churches’ Care in the Community” was born. QCCC provides a variety of services for older people in Queensferry.

 

First steps of a Befriending Journey

Jessica was referred for the befriending service through the social work department.  Jessica’s spouse died in Oct 2020 and shortly after Jessica was diagnosed with early onset dementia.  The lockdowns proved very detrimental and Jessica suffered through social isolation and very limited opportunity to chat.

A Queensferry Care Worker met with Jessica to gain information to assist in the matching with a volunteer.  Fortunately an experienced befriender was available and was happy to provide garden visits while the weather was good and as the weather changed provide either a phone call or wrap up warm and go for a walk together.  Initial visits went well.

During the initial and subsequent meetings Jessica constantly apologised for her garden and mentioned that her spouse used to keep the garden immaculate.  Queensferry Care Worker mentioned the gardening service, which is provided by volunteers and asked if she would be happy for this to be organised.

Working together, the befriender and worker planned the garden tidy, ensuring that it was added to Jessica’s diary.  On the planned day, a worker phoned to remind Jessica that she would be coming round with a volunteer to tidy the garden.  As Jessica is younger and reasonably fit, the worker took a new pair of gardening gloves in the hope that she would join in.  This worked really well and with all 3 people working together the garden was transformed within 3 hours.  The volunteer gardener is a dementia ambassador, he has of vast knowledge of music and the area that Jessica grew up in, using word association, prompted Jessica’s memory, this promoted meaningful conversation and considerable banter.  Jessica made us all a cup of tea which we enjoyed sitting and chatting in the sun.  When we had packed up Jessica said ‘this has been such a good day, I am a social person and this is what I need’.  (photo of volunteer gardener and Jessica)

During a befriending visit, Jessica commented that she would love to go to the hairdressers.  This is not normally within QCCC befrienders remit however on this occasion made an exception. The Befriender arranged to meet Jessica at her home, walk to the hairdressers and return to walk her home.  The worker mentioned the hairdressers appointment when helping with the garden and the appointment was very much anticipated.  Unfortunately, due to Covid, the salon needed to close at short notice and Jessica did not get the anticipated hair cut but this will be rearranged in the near future.

The relationship is relatively new but everyone involved has gained and the story will continue…..

 

By: Queensferry Care

If you’re inspired and would like to get involved please visit: 

https://www.qccc.org.uk/volunteer