CROSSROADS - Key Persons
Vera has long-standing connections with Wigtownshire.
She worked as a farm secretary for several years and left the area only because her mother was ill and needed her at home. Also, her husband was from the Newton Stewart area, so it was a natural decision to move back here when they retired and he had fallen ill.
Vera also goes back a long way with Crossroads. Initially, while living in Staffordshire she became the carer of her husband, and received 5 hours per week respite from the local Scheme.
After she and her husband returned to Newton Stewart, she was put in touch with Crossroads (Newton Stewart and Machars) Care Attendant Scheme by her GP, and received the same allocation of hours, which she was able to use flexibly - often as a block to enable her to go to Ayr or Dumfries. Her husband enjoyed the visits of the care attendants and of our manager, Mrs Gorman, who became a family friend.
When her husband passed away, Vera wanted to give something back to Crossroads so she joined the management committee, later becoming a director of the Scheme. She served for many years, bringing the carer's perspective to the deliberations and decisions of the Board as well as being involved in a wide variety of roles from recruitment of staff to fund-raising. Her input was invaluable.
After several joint replacement operations, the wheel has turned full circle and Crossroads is once again supporting Vera - this time to enable her to remain living in her own home. When care was needed, she had no hesitation in asking for Crossroads and has nothing but praise for her care attendants and the management staff.
In order to cover the visits required, Vera was asked to accept a male care attendant. She was a little reticent about this at first, but has found the arrangement perfectly satisfactory. She says "All the care attendants are sensitive and willing to help in any way they can to do what is needed". She enjoys their company and looks forward to their visits.