Washington care home residents blessed with technology and kindness during pandemic
Care home residents have been using tablets to keep in touch with loved ones while keeping safe from coronavirus.
Donwell care home, which houses over 100 elderly residents, began extra measures to ensure occupants safety in what they describe as a “very difficult” time before the announced lockdown.
The care home took the decision to close its doors to visitors in mid-March, meaning residents wouldn’t be able to have visits from family, but used technology to and asked the local community to help brighten up their day.
The care home team asked for the community to pull together and send cards, letters and poems to residents and worked closely with children from George Washington Primary School prior to the school closures, with children making gifts for residents for Mother’s Day.
Care home manager, Victoria Leighton, said: “We’re doing everything possible to keep residents safe. A lot of them are getting quite upset at not being able to have visitors but they’re getting on with it.
“There’s been a great response in the community and we’ve had George Washington School making cards for residents and donations of handwash.”
The care home has also been utilising iPads and tablets so that residents can stay in contact with their families while staying safe.
Under government advice, over 70s are at a high risk from Covid-19 and have been asked self-isolate on top of the lockdown.
Donwell House provides 24/7 residential care, elderly care, end of life and nursing care, as well as respite care for carers who require a short break or assistance.