Theme
- Community volunteering for healthy living
The Age Concern footcare scheme was funded by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust who wanted to address the need to provide footcare to generally healthy older people, unable to look after their feet due to arthritis, diabetes, dietary controls etc. Some are simply unable to do basic footcare such as nail filing because they are unable to reach their feet. Volunteers are based in clinics and carry out basic footcare checks and practices. Any serious cases are referred to a podiatrist. The scheme is free to all clients, but they may make a donation to Age Concern if they wish. The project has been operational since March 1 st 2004, with Age Concern providing additional funding to cover administrative costs.
There are currently 8 volunteers in 6 different venues, with two of these volunteers covering sick leave and absenteeism. There is one male volunteer and 7 female volunteers. At the moment there are no volunteers from Black or minority ethnic groups, but it is hoped that this can be redressed shortly through work by a Diversity Officer. The majority of volunteers are 50+ years old.
Recruitment
Recruitment of volunteers was via posters in general practices and libraries, Age Concern newsletters and through adverts in the local press. GP surgeries were happy to help with the recruitment process as they saw the scheme as beneficial to them since proper footcare can prevent falls, and therefore may ultimately reduce potential patient numbers. There was less control over the paid adverts in the local press. These only went out to the public just prior to the training, which may have not been enough notice for some potential volunteers. There is a volunteer policy for all volunteers and those involved in the scheme require Criminal Records Bureau checks and two references.
Training
Before volunteers commit to the scheme, the scheme co-ordinator and a senior podiatrist arrange a practical session, which covers health and safety, infection control, reasons for looking after one’s feet and also shows examples of nail problems. Volunteers are informed that they may not use any alternative therapies on clients as this does not fit with the scheme’s insurance policy. The session is designed to see if volunteers will be prepared to commit to the regular four hours. Those who decide to continue, fill out forms and are then CRB checked. Many volunteers previously worked in the healthcare system and are motivated by the need for social interaction, but in order to make sure that volunteers are continually happy with their work and that best practice is being carried out, the co-ordinator arranges update meetings which she and all volunteers attend every three months.
Challenges
The footcare scheme is a victim of its own success. When it was originally planned, it was thought that the co-ordinator post would require 3 ½ hours a week, however, there have already been 200 clients requesting appointments since March 2004, with anything up to 30 referral forms arriving in one week, so it is not unusual for the co-ordinator to spend 2 days a week on the project. A database has been created to show appointment times, client details and information about where referrals have come from, or where clients are been referred to, and it is hoped that a volunteer can be recruited to help with administrative tasks.
There have been no objections to the setting up of clinics within GP surgeries, although initially reception staff were worried that their workload would increase by having to take appointments. The co-ordinator assured staff that she would deal with the appointment system, and reception staff are now happy that they only have to sometimes direct people to the relevant therapy room. Appointments are fairly often cancelled by clients and this makes things difficult for the co-ordinator who has to change session times, and notify volunteers, often at the last minute. More volunteers to cover sick leave would be helpful in preventing the cancellation of sessions, or the inconvenience to other volunteers.
Positive feedback
The scheme has been a great success to date and another 2 GP surgeries have offered the project free rooms.
The co-ordinator has also received several calls from clients who have expressed their thanks for an improved service and delightful volunteers.
For further information contact:
Cat Heyward
Training, Ageing Well and Resource Officer
Footcare Scheme Co-ordinator
Age Concern Herefordshire & Worcestershire
6 Sansome Street
Worcester WR1 1UH
Tel: 01905 726652
