Flood-hit Wraysbury couple helped by care company

A care agency came to the rescue of a flood-trapped disabled couple in Wraysbury over the weekend.

Windsor-based company Laura Cares worked around the clock to ensure Mr and Mrs Brown, an elderly couple who struggle with mobility, had access to continued support, food and companionship.

Care boss Laura Soye said that when she heard they could be left all alone during this period of unpredictable weather she sprung into action with the assistance of the local authority and flood volunteers in Wraysbury.

Laura was alerted to how severe the water levels were in Wraysbury on Sunday morning, when one of her carers messaged to say she couldn’t get her car down the client’s road.

“An hour before that Wraysbury Voluntary Care had called to say that if we are having problems getting carers through to clients then they could help.

“I called them and they sent four-wheeled vehicles out to get the carers through. They were brilliant,” said Laura.

Laura’s next thought was how to get several carers in and out of the property several times a day during the next 24 hours when flood levels were expected to continue rising and the volunteer transport service working all over the village.

“So my concern then was ‘Ok. The water levels were due to reach peak at midday today (Monday, January 8) how are we going to get these carers in and out if the volunteers aren’t around’?”

Quick-thinking Laura thought of everything from trying to get Wellington boots in for carers to hiring her own four-wheel vehicles and even a boat – “But I don’t think our insurance would cover that,” she added.

So plan B was to see if the local authority would fund emergency live-in care – just until the flooding subsided, and they agreed.

“We were really worried about the clients’ anxiety levels,” said Laura.

“The husband is visually impaired and the wife is bed-bound and we were worried about the situation getting worse and they were alone. What if the power went out – how would they cope?

“I called through to the local authority and told them what we’re up against. Firstly we were concerned for the clients’ wellbeing and secondly,  I didn’t want to put the carers at risk [going back and forth in flood waters] plus we are already short staffed. Luckily they agreed.”

To the rescue came competent carer Lulu Amel, a single working mum who arranged overnight care for her own children so that she could go and support the couple in need.

“I put a message on our group chat and they all answered quickly but Lulu was the first. Our girls are honestly just brilliant, they go over and above. The work that they are doing is just fantastic.

“The couple were due to have Meals on Wheels delivered but we weren’t sure that they could get through and before I knew it Lulu was at the supermarket getting what they needed.”

Lulu cooked Mr and Mrs Brown an authentic North African dish and provided support throughout the next 24 hours.

“All night she kept not only me but the family updated. It put everyone’s minds at ease plus she made it so fun for the clients so that they wouldn’t get scared.  

“She turned the whole situation around and we couldn’t be prouder of her.

“It’s been a really nice situation that’s come out of something bad and it just shows you what can be done if everyone comes together.”