"We're worth more!" Emotionally and physically drained carer battles snow and frost for nine hours to earn £35
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A carer's Facebook post detailing her working day is going viral after she explained how she arrived home both physically and emotionally drained after a nine hour stint battling through snow and frost - all for £35.
Samantha Garbutt explained how she had left her home in the West Midlands - one of the worst affected regions of the UK by the weather in the last 48 hours - three times during Sunday to help those in need.
Despite struggling to deal with the treacherous conditions on both the road and pavements - losing control of her car three times, soaking through three pairs of shoes and falling over and hurting herself on the ice - she made it to six extra calls on top of her shift.
Having "walked to endless amounts of calls streets away", Samantha said: "I have been out the house for nine hours in total!
"I have dispensed eight lots of medication, made 11 cups of teas, heated five meals, body-washed three people and settled six people to bed."
The public Facebook post - accompanied by a selfie in the snow - has earned a staggering 9,200 likes and almost 4,000 shares by Tuesday morning, with many people stunned to hear that Samantha only earned a total of £35 for her day's work.
(Image: The Image Bank)
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Samantha, who is originally from Smethwick but lives in Oldbury, Sandwell, said: "It’s right what they say caring isn’t for the money you’ve gotta have the heart.
"When will the government and companies who employ carers realise we’re worth more than minimum wage?"
She later clarified to those querying the low pay for nine hours work, she explained how carers only get paid for the time they work with someone and not for the travel in between visits.
Samantha posted: "For those querying the wages, it only works out to minimum wage if you can get two completed calls done in a hour. You get paid per half hour a lot. No travel allowance in between."
(Image: Getty Images)
The Facebook post struck a chord with many people.
User Becki Crockett-Dawson posted: "Unfortunately that's how domiciliary care work. I work in the industry and it's very hard!
"However the pay structure we don't really get a say it's the goverment. I'm not even on min wage and I'm a care coordinator!
"And I also go out and do calls when i can ( on way home etc) the careers are well under paid!"
Another user, Angie Deakin, posted: "You do a great job chick.. and yes all carers need to be noticed for what they do .. you are appreciated x"
And Lucy-Anne Popplewell posted: "Good on you girl your doing an amazing job you should be so proud of yourself for putting the needs of others first and making sure they are well cared for xxxxxx"
Samantha later edited the post, originally made on Sunday evening, to thank people for their comments.
She said: "The next time you see a carer stuck in this weather or walking to a call please help and/or tell them what a fantastic job they're doing.
"Getting in I was emotionally and physically drained and all your lovely comments have really uplifted my spirits."