This year has seen a transformation in care homes, the likes no one has ever seen before, which has been such hard work for all who work in the industry, but all the hard work does not go unnoticed.
Colleagues at Ashton Grange care home in Sunderlandhave had to adapt, just like every home has during the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made in March to close to visitors, in order to keep Residents, Colleagues and Relatives safe.
Colleagues within Ashton Grange care home were working tirelessly, around the clock to keep Residents happy, healthy and entertained. July and August saw the restrictions ease a little with Residents being overjoyed to once again see their loved ones, through garden visits.
Unfortunately, this enjoyment was short lived as the North East has been put back into lock down. This was demoralising for Residents and Colleagues who had worked so hard to bring back a bit of normality for everyone.
However, a breath of fresh air came to Ashton Grange care home, in the form of a card from the Joyce Macrae family. The words in the cards mean an enormous amount to all Colleagues who work at Ashton Grange.
The card read:
“Hello all of the wonderful staff at Ashton Grange. I just wanted to send a message of love and support to you all.
“My lovely mum, Joyce Macrae is being so well looked after and loved. This is such a difficult time, but I want you to know, how myself, and all of my family, appreciate your constant commitment and tireless hard work in the loving care of ‘our mam’.
“My husband was very ill in hospital during April with coronavirus, and we nearly lost him. So, I and my family totally understand the need to keep everyone in Ashton Grange safe.
“Hopefully, I pray that we will all see each other again, when it is safer. But for now, I totally understand the need to do the right thing in order to protect everyone.
“So, this little card is just to remind you all that, ‘you’re the best’ and I am sure that bright and much happier times will come back for all of us.
“Thank you again so much, love from Julie and the whole family xxx.”
Ashton Grange Deputy Manager said: “Although we are doing our job it’s great to feel the appreciation from the families of the home. The words in the card brought tears to my eyes.”