Positive outlook pays off at Seaview House
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THE senior general manager of a care home in Wick has talked about the benefits of being positive during the lockdown.
"We're spending more and more time being positive at the moment and had amazing support from the local community," said Wendy McGowan, who runs Seaview House.
She said that two boxes of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) had been delivered by Norse Stone, while others gave in numerous items ranging from tasty treats to fresh daffodils.
A Facebook post by the care home's activities coordinator and in-house trainer, Mandy Mckenzie Wilson, outlined how numerous local businesses and individuals had helped out the 41 residents and 60 staff at Seaview House.
She wrote: "Big shout out to BT in Thurso for a box of goodies, another bakery drop off from Johnston's of Thurso.
"Today I asked where I could pick some daffies for the residents and we had three lots dropped off by Erica Macleod, Marlyn Mcphee and Arya Weir."
Her shout-out also went to Michael Ronaldson from Norse Stone for the PPE.
"No words can describe how grateful we are. From all residents and staff you are all amazing," Mandy wrote.
The senior general manager said that staff are helping residents communicate with friends and family through the use of video calls and rediscovering the art of letter-writing.
"We receive a lot of letters which is lovely and we've been helping connect residents through calls with Skype and FaceTime, using an iPad which we take to their rooms," Wendy said.
She said that many of the residents have learned new skills late on in life through using computer technology to make video calls.
With relatives unable to visit their loved ones in care homes, due to coronavirus restrictions in force, many are finding other ways to communicate.
"Many still do phone calls, of course, but there are a lot of the residents who have taken to writing letters, which is lovely."
Wendy said that the residents are kept up to date with news on the crisis so they understand the need for the various restrictions.
A new activity born out of the coronavirus crisis is "social distancing bingo" which the residents play from the doorways of their rooms while activities coordinator Mandy shouts out the numbers in the corridor.
Wendy said: "We're doing everything in our power to keep all safe so that when we open our doors to visitors once again it will be lovely for everyone."
She sent out a "big thanks" to everyone in the community who has helped and donated to Seaview House.
