Celebrating life at Barchester

Our residents have been using Skype to keep in touch with love ones, and have been blown away by modern technology. But for those who cannot quite grasp Skype, we have gone back to the old fashioned way of writing letters! We let loved ones know that we were doing well and what we had been up to, and we have received some lovely feedback from families!

James Teasdale, Activities Coordinator at Sherwood Court, received a nomination for the BBC's 'Everyday Hero' award from a family member. This is what they said:

‘Please can I nominate James Teasdale as an unsung hero! James works as an Activities Coordinator at Sherwood Court in Fulwood Preston. He previously worked as a carer; he often works extra hours and covers additional shifts. When the lockdown occurred, he went out of his way to FaceTime and Skype for families.

He also covered additional shifts including, working in laundry. He has sent us pictures and videos of my mum; he organised a faith service for residents on Easter Sunday. It was Mum's birthday today, and he photocopied photos I sent and organised us to see videos. He works so hard! He shows such care and consideration, not thinking of himself but others.

On a daily basis he puts himself at risk to care for the elderly, frail and those in need. He and all the staff are exceptional in their care; please recognise their efforts!'

The team are immensely proud of this nomination and are working together to keep residents safe and well.

Big clap for Archview Lodge in Dalkeith for looking after my mum

Every morning we receive kind letters, pictures, postcards or presents from lots of wonderful people from our local community.

Residents really enjoy spending time in the mornings reading and replying to their “fan mail” it really is amazing to have so many people write to us and share with us what they have been doing and ways they have been keeping busy.

Also we would like to say a thank you to the children at Great Tew Primary School, who made us some amazing card and sent us lots of beautiful bunches of daffodils.

Residents and staff at Southerndown have been keeping busy with arts and crafts and making an everything will be fine rainbow. This was a fun activity- everybody helped weather it was cutting out the hearts or placing the rainbow on the window.

We are very pleased with the finished result, and it can be seen from the road and we are hoping that  it will make people smile as they drive by.

Thank you for this update - it is certainly reassuring!  I am glad, too, that the folk at Queens Court in Wimbledon are taking such good care of their residents. With the best of wishes in these strenuous and taxing times

Residents at Fordmill recently enjoyed a virtual visit from Rapha the pet therapy dog, who treated them to a message of humour and positivity!

Supporting the residents at the home, Rapha owner sent a message saying, "sorry I can’t come and see you at the moment, but thought I’d send you a video to cheer you all up. Hopefully I can come and see you soon. Lots of love and woofs." 

The hospitality team at the home played the video to the residents and had lots of laughs in return!

A big thank you for all of you from Mum & her family for all the fantastic work you do. We couldn't have asked for better care or for a better '2nd family'. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. I will be back to give you all a big hug as soon as I can. Stay safe & thank you for everything. Love to all xx

These cards and pictures and stories have been sent in to us by lots of pupils at St James The Great Nursery and Primary School in Thornton  Heath. They made contact with us through one of their staff members, Nicole Duffy, who knows the home. They were really keen to make contact with our residents and keep them cheerful throughout this very difficult time when they are socially distanced from their loved ones.

Everything we have received has been absolutely delightful and has cheered us all up so much. The residents are really pleased to know that there are children out there who are thinking about them. There are some amazing pictures and stories that we have all read and they are displayed throughout the home. We will be sending thank you letters and cards back to the children when we can and will also be inviting them into the home later in the year to say a very special thank you to them all.

What a wonderful school to think about us all here. Please keep sending them!

Team members and residents at Washington Grange received a surprise delivery recently. The local Aldi supermarket donated bread and delicious hot cross buns. Everyone at the home was grateful for this kind gesture and for the great community spirit. It is essential to stay positive during this unprecedented time.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to yourself and all the other HEROES who are caring for everyone. I hope you are all well and stay safe if that is possible. 

Residents wanted to show appreciation to the NHS and care workers and all key workers by creating a poster. It was a lovely morning fill of laughing and smiles throughout.

We hope you are keeping well and thank you for your hard work to keep everyone safe and well. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

Thank you for your regular updates. The care of our mother at Rothsay Grange before and during this pandemic has been well managed and compassionate. We would like to convey our thanks to all the staff. 

Meadowbeck have teamed up with a number of local schools including Osbaldwick Academy and Heworth Primary School as well as young friends from the local community for a newly launched pen pal scheme, connecting residents within their homes with creative writing pupils to help combat social isolation to keep them connected to family, friends and the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents of the home have been sharing their stories of the past and making new friends in the inter-generational scheme.

Letter writing, which is part of the school’s creative writing curriculum, has covered topics such as holidays and places to visit, also one student who is learning German writing a letter in German to one of our residents who was born and raised in Germany, as well as cautionary tales from both the students and the residents of Meadowbeck Care Home.

Residents were able to share their interesting tales of the past, and their passion for music and Ballroom dancing and Scenic walks.

I would like to thank all the staff for looking after my dad whilst he was on memory lane, the care team were wonderful as were the nurses. The Head Housekeeper, Tracey, was lovely, she would often have chats with dad and us when we visited, a big thank you to you all!

You have amazing staff at Glebefields, we cannot thank them all enough

This week some wonderful banners were put up in the village of Stamford Bridge, where in better times our residents would enjoy a visit to the coffee shop and local pub. These signs have helped boost the spirits of all our staff, who continue to work hard to care for our elderly patients through this uncertain time, and with such an amazing community we look forward to a time we can visit again.