Guernsey bathing service lacks volunteers

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 06:55

A service that enables patients in the community to get a hot bath is being under-used, because of a lack of volunteers.

The bathing service is run by the Russells Day Centre in St Martins, for people who are unable to bathe themselves.

A purpose-built bathroom allows volunteers to use a hoist chair to assist people into and out of the bath.

Guernsey Voluntary Service manager Mandy Le Bachelet says it makes a huge difference to peoples lives - allowing them to be clean and comfortable.

"We have clients coming in and after being able to have a warm bath their whole demeanour changes.

It is having someone care and assist you. Even if it is just to wash your feet or back, or sit in the corner and monitor, just case they need assistance."

Mrs Le Bachelet says although the GVS has spare slots on Tuesdays to Fridays, they lack the people trained to use the bath lift.

"We have a regular list of 23 clients over those four days, we could take more, we have got slots available, but we just have not got the volunteers."

She says it takes around an hour to train a volunteer, and they can work the bathing sessions into their schedule.

A lack of transport is also impacting the services' deliverability.

Mrs Le Bachelet says they need people willing to drive relatives to the service.

"If somebody was able to bring up, say granny to have a bath, then that would ease things.

They can then sit around for an hour for a coffee or go off and come back later."