Positive News from Wessex Care
As we move into 2021, there is hope on the horizon in light of the new vaccine being distributed to the UK population and we look forward to a time when life returns to some sort of normal. Over the past year, our staff have been working flat out and we have sadly lost friends, including residents, along the way which was as to be expected. It is sometimes difficult to see the positives in all that has been happening, and we have not been able to publish our monthly newsletter at the start of January (look out for a January & February edition coming soon!) but we feel it is important to report that it has not been all doom and gloom across Wessex Care homes and centres, and we wish to tell you about some of our recent positive news.
Vaccines
We are elated that the majority of care home residents and staff have successfully received their vaccines. This will make a huge difference to the care community and enable us to safeguard the most vulnerable people in our society. Cases can still occur, but the vaccine looks to help prevent the virus turning into severe symptoms such as pneumonia, meaning that patients have a higher chance of survival and recovery.
Visiting
Whilst visiting is still on hold to all of our care homes and centres during lockdown, we hope that new care home visiting measures will be advised by the government soon, once the vaccine has been delivered to more people within our communities and we can ensure the safety of our vulnerable residents. We have employed an in-house Covid tester and have strict measures in place for any essential professional visitors – you can find out more about our latest Covid briefing by clicking here.
Christmas 2020
It was a very merry Christmas at Wessex Care, despite everything that was going on outside. As many residents missed seeing their families, our staff tried to make Christmas 2020 just as special as any other year. We were very grateful again this year for the delivery of hand made cards in the Christmas-card-athon arranged by Care Home Volunteers, where pupils in schools made cards to send to our residents. Such a kind thing to do and was well received.
Residents received gifts, cards and took part in our arranged Christmas activities including live Zoom music sessions with Dave Dawson and Nigel Revill, music, movement, poetry and quizzes from Alive, Engaging Activities with Craig, exercise and yoga with Jackie and Sandi (all virtual of course!) and visits from Father David Fisher who was able to offer Holy Communion to those who wished to take Communion around the Christmas period.
Our staff party was a bit different this year and we held a large virtual Christmas party for all our staff to communicate from our different sites and teams. It was a happy occasion enjoyed by all and a nice way to end a stressful year.
Keeping Spirits High
We know that our teams have worked extremely hard throughout the pandemic, to help care for residents, not just physically but emotionally too. We have tried where we can to make life feel as ‘normal’ as possible for our residents and have captured some lovely moments from over the past 2 months which demonstrate how we have tried to keep spirits high, including some cheeky Indian take-aways, dancing the night away (within reason!) and watching close, supportive friendships form.
Do you have questions about Wessex Care?
If you have any queries, whether you are a relative, resident, looking for support with your care or to moving into a care home during the pandemic, contact our friendly team who can provide more information on Wessex Care services and current measures whilst the pandemic is ongoing. You can find our monthly Covid-19 briefings here and our current briefing here. You can call our head office team on 01722 336933. We hope you continue to all stay safe and well and thank you for your ongoing support for Wessex Care staff.
