Every week I have sent out a blog to give families a wee picture of their loved ones. We have also been on Tik Tok with staff and residents to lift moral. Making the films and having a few moments of fun and laughter has been so good for everyone. Each unit, even night shift have taken part.
We have set up gardens in lounges with residents to enjoy – planting bulbs – scarecrows and beautiful items to make it special. Residents have given everything names and they look after the plants daily.
We have also set up an easter challenge – for the community to get involved and help the residents in isolation. We asked if any one was fed up with the lock down and struggling with things to do – to make an Easter picture which was meaningful to them and then email it to me with picture of person who created the picture and we would open a Parksprings Art Gallery for all the wonderful creations.
We got around 200 pictures from as far north as Orkney . This boosted the residents in lock down knowing that they were not forgotten and the community / strangers took time to create and send to us. It lifted everyone’s spirits staff, residents, and the people who participated. Local news papers got involved, The deputy provost, councillors , MP, schools, families, Leonard Cheshire group, Lingo Flamingo, Tai Chi group, Local churches, local charity groups and many more.
The art gallery is amazing and will remain until its opened and shared with all the groups who helped. The pictures are displayed on the residents lounge TV’s and they all helped with the Gallery and the judging of the competition. The winners were chosen by all the above groups and then the final judge was Tina Chapman – our director in Leeds- selected the winners. The feed back from everyone was that it made people cry as it was something so nice in such a difficult time. The residents and staff were also really emotional to all the wonderful items sent in and just the kindness was fantastic – and the isolation was not so bad.. The Easter challenge just took everyone’s minds off the difficult time for just a moment and spread in smile.
Boxing classes have been great fun and as the residents will tell you – here at Parksprings we are fighting the Covid-19 – great exercise and fun. We will beat this !!
We are so busy with so many different projects – all with purpose and meaning which helps but it is still hard.
The garden after winter is looking tired and grey even though we had a sing-a-long with instruments- the sun worked its magic on everyone. If anyone has any garden items they would like to donate please contact me.
We have also enjoyed corridor party’s with the residents staying at the edge of there room doors and singing and dancing. Everyone can join in and it’s at social distancing.
Rosie Brennan
Lead Activities Co-ordinator
Parksprings Care Home
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