We are deeply saddened to report that two more of our residents have passed away after testing positive for COVID-19.
Our thoughts are with the family and the families of all of those who have lost loved ones to this terrible virus.
It has now been two weeks since the last resident tested positive for COVID-19, which is welcome news.
While this shows that the virus is coming under control, the further deaths remind us just what a horrible disease this is.
We must not waver in our determination to stamp out the virus from our care homes and we must redouble efforts to keep prevent the spread of infection and maintain hospital-standard levels of infection control.
Sadly, this means that our homes still remain closed for visitors for now, but we have continued to facilitate “window visits” and are using technology to help residents keep in touch with their families. We are looking at all options and guidelines regularly to determine how and when we can start to open access for families and will update you as this develops.
We are continuing the dialogue with the Council and Hospital to ensure the support is there for the care sector in Sheffield as a whole. This remains a concern and there has been correspondence with MPs and council officials about the issues around the Infection Prevention and Control Fund.
The Sheffield Care Association will continue to push for more support from the Council and will ensure councillors and decision makers are held to account.
You can follow them online:
You can help keep the pressure on the Council by signing and sharing the petition online at https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-fair-fees-for-sheffield-care-homes
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.
Finally, just another thank you to everyone in our community who has shown us such support in the last few months. In the last week, we even had a choir come to the window to sing for one of their members who is a resident of ours.
You can see the film on our Facebook page it really is amazing.
In addition to the choir, we have seen more donations of artwork from children from local schools which demonstrates their creative and artistic talents. Small acts of kindness mean the world to the residents and staff at this challenging time.
Nicola Richards,
Director