How a Liverpool care company is helping bring vulnerable people home for Christmas

Christmastime is family time. But for elderly and vulnerable people across the Liverpool City Region, it can be the loneliest time of the year. 

With planned and unplanned hospital stays to contend with, many people on Merseyside face spending Christmas alone on a ward. 

But thanks to the ‘Home for Christmas’ campaign from local home care company Apollo Care Liverpool, the elderly and vulnerable in our area can look forward to spending the holidays where they belong – at home with their loved ones. 

“We’ve been bringing vulnerable people home for Christmas for four years now,” said Zara McGovern, care manager of Apollo Care Liverpool, “It came about after a client’s family member called us in mid-December, desperate to get their Mum home in time for Christmas.” 

“The lady in question had spent three months in hospital, but when she was finally fit for discharge, no care agencies in the area had capacity for her. Some agencies wouldn’t even entertain the request, saying they’d sorted the Christmas rotas and didn’t want disruption. So we stepped in.”

Since that call, Zara and her husband, John, who run Apollo Care Liverpool together, have helped bring around 40 vulnerable people home for Christmas. 

“We’ve had similar experiences with loved ones remaining in hospital when they could be home, enjoying time with their families,” said John. 

“Being a family-run business, we understand that time is precious. Making memories with your family is one of the most important things you can do – especially when you have grandchildren,” he added. 

But it’s not only offering vital care services to those in need who benefit from the Home for Christmas initiative. It also provides essential support for the NHS. 

“For most people, Christmas is magical. But it’s also a time when winter pressures impact local hospitals,” added Zara. 

“If we can alleviate pressure by bringing someone home, it eases the burden on hospitals, social workers, and paramedics, letting them focus on people who need urgent attention.” 

This year, Apollo Care Liverpool, based in Walton, wants to bring more people home for Christmas than ever. 

The home care company helps people with dementia and other cognitive impairments, stroke sufferers, people with mobility issues, and those with learning disabilities. 

Even those who would like companionship a few times a week due to their families being unable to visit regularly can get support. 

“Nobody wants to remember being in hospital when there is the opportunity to be at home with a bit of extra support each day, and that is what we provide,” said John. 

With personal care assistance, meal preparation, medical preparation, medical administration, and cleaning and shopping services available, Apollo Care Liverpool offers vital relief to local families through winter and beyond. 

Along with their Home for Christmas campaign, Apollo Care also spreads festive cheer in the local community. Throughout December, the Apollo Care Elf visits clients who can no longer leave their homes, bringing them Christmas goodies and much-needed company. 

“Caring for someone is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do,” added John. 

“And there’s no greater reward than helping people be home for Christmas.” 

If you or someone you love would like to be Home for Christmas, contact Apollo Care Liverpool on 0151 944 2119 or submit a referral through their website. 

The company offers care packages for the following postcodes: L4, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L20, L28, L33, L34, L35, L36, L39 and L40. 

Get the latest Christmas news for Liverpool HERE and visit our calendar to see what’s on across the city region as the countdown continues HERE.