While we are fortunate not to have had any further COVID-19 related deaths this week, we must still be vigilant.
Our homes still remain closed for visitors for now, but wherever possible we are facilitating “window visits” and using technology to help residents keep in touch with their families.
Please don’t put pressure on staff to change these rules.
We know how much we all want to see and hug our loved ones, but at the moment we must keep our resolve. We are aware some other homes are facilitating drive through or garden visits but we don’t feel we should commence these at this time.
Despite the national lockdown easing, the sad fact remains that for the most vulnerable in society, this virus remains horrific and is highly contagious.
Social distancing, handwashing and shielding our residents continue to be the most important things to do right now.
We would kindly ask all families to remember this when speaking to staff – we are following guidelines set by Public Health England and infection control teams at the hospital to ensure we operate to the highest standards.
We need support to protect our sector. Our media appearances and pressure on the Council is starting to pay off and we have finally had some more positive letters from their officials this week.
Yet our petition calling on the Council to take action remains as valid as ever.
It calls for Sheffield City Council to end the crisis in the city’s care homes by:
• Immediately increasing fees by the 15% recommended by Care England to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Making the planned strategic review of care in the city independent of current office holders and decision makers and for it to be published by September 2020.
• Ensuring care homes are given the adequate support and funding they need now and in the future.
You can sign and share the petition online at https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-fair-fees-for-sheffield-care-homes.
You can find out more about this campaign by keeping an eye on our website for the latest news and we will continue to appear in the media to fight for our services in the short and long term.
Finally, just a reminder that to help families get a sense of what’s going on, we’ve increased the number of posts on our Facebook page to give you a glimpse of how we are trying to support our residents and make their lives as comfortable as possible.
This week we have featured our use of natural remedies to help boost the immune system as well as posting some more pictures of life inside the homes where staff are doing their best to keep residents in good spirits.
Palms Row will provide all of the necessary support to make sure that ongoing care for residents continues in the same high standards that we have provided for many years, but we will also continue to put pressure on those who make the decisions not to forget about care homes during this crisis.
Nicola Richards,
Director