Meadowlark Care Home residents and staff grateful for gifts and donations
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A LOCAL care home has been inundated with presents during the coronavirus lockdown.
Renaissance Care’s Meadowlark Care Home in Forres has said a big ‘thank you’ to the local community and suppliers for their kind donations which have included face masks, hand creams, chocolates and cards from local children and others across the country and as far away as Austria.
Acting home manager, Casey Whittaker, confirmed all donations and gifts are being sanitised upon arrival in keeping with government guidelines.
She said: "These parcels have been keeping a smile on all our faces. We can’t thank everyone enough for taking the time to do this for our staff and residents. It’s these kinds of gestures that mean so much right now, we really do appreciate it. Thank you!"
The staff have been busy finding new ways to keep residents active and entertained during a difficult few months.
Since the beginning of lockdown, activity co-ordinators Derra Kew and Lorrieyn Walsh have focused on engaging the elderly residents in technology and social media to make sure they stay in contact with families as best as possible.
From the basics of Facebook to teaching them how to Facetime, the residents are now dab hands at using iPads brought in especially to help with communication.
Staff and residents have also been creative in the garden and in the home while staying socially distanced. Derra and Lorrieyn are encouraging the residents to enjoy the recent nice weather while putting their passion for gardening to good use.
Casey is also enjoying playing guitar to the residents while their usual musical entertainment is on hold.
She said: "Our garden has never looked better. It’s so important to us that the residents aren’t only safe but happy. Derra and Lorrieyn have done a particularly great job at making sure everyone is entertained and active while staying safe. They've made sure there’s something for everyone in the home, no matter what they are interested in."
She added: "The residents only complaint is that I don’t know any Jimmy Reeve’s songs but I’ve managed to win over a few fans with some 60s rock ‘n’ roll instead!"
