Cathay Care Home, Forres thanks community for response to storm-related power cuts
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THE community came to the rescue of vulnerable local residents during a weekend of storm-related power cuts.
Cathay Care Home on St Leonard’s Road had no grid electricity from 5pm on Friday, November 26 to 5.50pm on Monday, November 29 meaning no lights, heating or means of cooking.
However, help was at hand according to manager, Julie Stringfellow.
She said: “On behalf of the staff and our 39 residents I would like to share my gratitude to everyone that supported us and came out in the terrible storm to provide essentials. The community ensured the home was able to continue to support some of the most vulnerable individuals in our area.
“We will be forever grateful.
“I also want to highlight the strength and dedication of our staff who stepped up and made every moment count.”
Cathay Care Home does not use gas so could not fall back on the alternative power. Its emergency fire doors could not be secured without power so there was also a real concern that residents with dementia may get out.
“It was very cold,” added Julie, “but we needed to keep the residents as warm as possible. We couldn’t make hot drinks or meals. Our phone lines were also down except for one emergency, basic phone we have in the reception. The signal here is very poor so no ones mobiles worked – staff went down the road to make contact with other people.”
Thankfully, following an appeal on social media, members of the public provided flasks of hot water and torches. Someone lent a camping stove to heat water for drinks and to make stew and soup. On the Saturday a man lent a small generator so Cathay was able to heat a very poorly resident’s bedroom. More locals returned to refill the borrowed stove with gas and re-charge borrowed lights. The Mosset Tavern delivered a discounted lunch for all the residents on Saturday. Meadowlark Care Home provided specialised meals for five residents on Saturday and Sunday, and sent staff hot sausage rolls on Saturday evening. On Sunday evening, Napoli’s delivered pizza, pasta and free juice to the home.
Julie finished: “The storm was something no one was prepared for. However, we’ve used the knowledge we gained from the experience to put together an emergency disaster box for the future.
“We know from the items lent to us what helped us get through the weekend so these items will be stored just in case.”
