Isle of Wight Police Community Support Officer Lisa Paul has been recognised for going the extra mile in supporting an elderly and vulnerable man in Cowes.
Earlier this year the man, who is aged in his 80s and suffering from dementia, attended the local library to report that he had been pushed to the floor and had his wallet stolen.
Officers from the Cowes Neighbourhood Policing Team subsequently visited the man at his home address, where he lived alone with his dog. Attending officers became concerned with his living conditions, and over the following days PCSO Paul made a number of return visits to see what she could do to help out, including visiting him after he was involved in a collision. Fortunately, he was uninjured.
During one impromptu visit, Lisa found him collapsed on the floor and unable to move. It’s not known how long he had been in this position, and Lisa called for an ambulance. The man refused medical treatment, but was visited by health care professionals the following day who took him to hospital after finding him collapsed again.
Lisa then took it upon herself to visit the man’s home address twice a day to look after his dog, and remained in contact with the man to reassure him of his pet’s security. She also made a number of phone calls to family members and other organisations to try and find alternative accommodation for the dog, before locating a temporary shelter 4 days later.
While the man remained in hospital, Lisa visited him to share videos and photos of his dog with him.
Her support and hospital visits continued for 2 weeks, and during this period Lisa also liaised with health care professionals and the man’s letting agents to assist in his recovery and find him a new and safer home to live in.
Lisa was recognised at the recent Isle of Wight District Commander’s Awards evening as her actions not only saved this man’s life and helped his recovery but made incredible changes to his life for the better.
This is very heartwarming! Well done Lisa Paul. We would all love to know that someone we care about was taken under the wing of such a thoughtful professional. She is a great example to all of us.
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An actual credit to the service. Give this lady a promotion.
Not yet as shes needed on the beat but she thoroughly deserves a promotion
Well done lovely a truly deserved award , an asset to the force and to the Island
Well done Lisa,what a lovely lady you are. The elderly are so forgotten these days!
Your a HUGE credit to are wonderful police force!!
What an absolutely wonderful person.