How a Nottingham Care Home Helped 77-year-old Resident Beat Coronavirus
A GOOD supply of tea and biscuits, decorated PPE and music are just some of the tactics a specialist care home in Nottingham used to help a 77-year-old dementia patient successfully recover from coronavirus.
Sandra Whitcombe’s family has applauded the care she received while a resident at Church Farm at Rusticus, in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire.
The grandmother-of-two has been a resident at the care home since August 2019. As one of the most bubbly and social residents, the staff were determined to help Sandra recover quickly, whilst maintaining a high quality of life and, of course, protecting others.
Sandra’s son, Steve, said: “We are so pleased to see mum happy and back to her bubbly self. The great care she has had and continues to receive has helped her to get through this tough time – we can’t thank the team at Church Farm enough. We just can’t wait to be able to spend time with her as soon as lockdown measures allow us to see her!”
In addition to strictly following all government guidelines, the Church Farm Care team, which includes its own full-time carers, nurses, and GPs, has been taking the temperature of all staff on arrival each day.
This meant that Sandra was moved into isolation as soon as she developed a temperature. The business also made a significant investment in PPE to ensure staff have the necessary equipment to keep safe.
Patrick Atkinson, owner of Church Farm Care Ltd., said:
“This has been an anxious time for residents, family members, and staff but Sandra’s recovery is proof that, with a thorough and sensible approach, recovery and containment is possible – and in a way that retains a high quality of life for those in care.
“One of the challenges was the use of masks and other PPE as seeing our staff with their faces covered was understandably confusing for residents living with dementia. The team decorated their masks to make them bright and colourful which Sandra really responded to – it's just one example of how a personal approach really helped. We also used books and music to entertain Sandra while in isolation – as well as keeping a good supply of tea and biscuits!
“We’re so thrilled that Sandra is better. This success is really testament to the dedication of our staff – they are on the frontline and truly going above and beyond to keep our residents healthy, safe, and happy. We’ve personally packed 400 bags of treats for all our staff and there has been amazing community support such as donations from local businesses for staff and residents, as well as pictures and letters of support from local children.”
Church Farm Care has four homes in Nottingham – three of which offer specialist dementia nursing within innovative and supportive environments. The aim of Church Farm Care is to provide the best possible care, every minute of the day by creating fantastic environments to live and work in. Its belief is that those who live and work with Church Farm Care are family and its homes are treated as places where people can share their life histories and support each other to live well.
For more information, please contact Rose Hayes, Katie Nelson or Danielle Hall at Cartwright Communications via danielle@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk.
About Church Farm Care Ltd.:
Church Farm Care Ltd’s homes are award-winning, with Church Farm at Cotgrave having been recognised as a Dementia Care Matters ‘Butterfly Household Home’ for the past eight years. All four homes are rated a band five home by Nottingham County Council; the highest rating that can be achieved on the quality of care and service used by the council, and in November 2019 two members of staff were shortlisted in the East Midlands Great British Care Awards.