We are deeply saddened to report that a further residents has 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.
However, we have not had any further positive test results in over three weeks, which is welcome news.
As we have seen with news from other places in the UK, it’s easy for this virus to quickly flare up and this further death reminds us just what a horrible disease this is.
We will continue our determination to stamp out the virus from our care homes and maintain hospital-standard levels of infection control.
Sadly, this means that our homes still remain closed for visitors for the time being. And recent developments show it may be some time before things are “back to normal.”
In the meantime, we have continued to facilitate “window visits” and are using technology to help residents keep in touch with their families.
We have also invested in the pilot of a self-sterilising “visitor pod” which we should have up and running in one of our homes by the end of the summer.
On a more positive note, if you didn’t see the film of the visiting choir in the local media, you can see the film on our Facebook page - it really is amazing.
Inspired by the choir, we had the karaoke box out and residents and staff alike loved showing off their singing talents. One gentleman even used it to sing to his wife for her birthday. It was such a beautiful moment. We are also looking into how our residents may be able to get involved with some of the pen pal schemes that students and local universities have been setting up.
Small acts of kindness such as these mean the world to the residents and staff at this challenging time.
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.
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:
Nicola Richards,
Director