Care home staff 'overwhelmed' by public support during coronavirus crisis

Carers in the Wakefield district are stepping up to provide exceptional care during the coronavirus outbreak.
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More than 3,200 staff are providing essential care and support to the most vulnerable people in the area, with many going above and beyond their usual roles to help others.

Working in a variety of settings, carers provide home based care for more than 1,200 people, extra care services for 65 people and support to 1,800 people in care homes.

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Specialist learning disability and mental health services are provided to 188 people in special care homes, 426 people in supported living accommodation and the short breaks service has 64 people using the service in the district.

Carers in the Wakefield district are stepping up to provide exceptional care during the coronavirus outbreak.Carers in the Wakefield district are stepping up to provide exceptional care during the coronavirus outbreak.
Carers in the Wakefield district are stepping up to provide exceptional care during the coronavirus outbreak.

The community in and around Hazel Garth Care Home in Knottingley have shown their support for staff and residents.

Chocolate and biscuits have been left anonymously on the doorstep of the Wakefield Council care home, which cares for people with dementia.

Cards from well-wishers have also arrived, and local groups such as Warwick Ahead, Neighbourhood Watch and Warwick Group, have donated gifts such as flowers for residents to arrange and painting by numbers kits for creative sessions.

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Care home manager Tina Payne said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response of the community, who appreciate our wonderful staff and the care they give to residents.

“Colleagues have been willing to work flexibly and to cover shifts if others have to isolate for family reasons, which means we can deliver the care our residents deserve.”

Families are keeping in touch with relatives via Whatsapp and a closed Facebook group.

Tina added: “The support has been amazing, thanks to everyone who’s got in touch.”Cou

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n Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Caring for vulnerable people is a priority and especially so during this unprecedented situation. Key workers in care homes can too easily be forgotten, but we want to celebrate and thank them for their hard work and commitment in challenging circumstances.

“I have been hearing great reports about our many dedicated carers and I am very grateful and thank everyone for the amazing work they are doing.”