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.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

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.

Read More
Keep up to speed with more news and information on coronavirus

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.

Donwell House care home in WashingtonDonwell House care home in Washington
Donwell House care home in Washington
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Related topics: