This is how care homes in the Wakefield district have been looking after residents during the coronavirus crisis

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.

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.

Woodlands of Woolley is a care home with a contract with Wakefield Council to look after people with dementia and is also home to residents who are privately funded.

Its focus is to keep residents safe while ensuring they can continue to do the activities they enjoy. Families are staying in regular touch, often daily.

Manager Vikki Banks said: “We know that relatives feel awful not being able to visit their loved ones, so we have adapted our way of caring so they can see their loved ones and interact with them.

“As well as regular Facetime chats, we’ve had a number of birthdays and Facetime has been a lovely way to share the celebrations and mark the occasion.”

The home also has a Facebook group, filled with photos and videos of residents enjoying activities like gardening, singing and painting.

“The current situation has been really challenging but we have all pulled together as a team,” said Vikki. “It’s about going the extra mile for our residents, and looking at how we can best support them.”

Enid Reynolds, 89, is a resident. Her daughter Linda Tennant said: “It is very reassuring being able to Facetime her with the help of staff who make it happen. She enjoys the gardening days and they are all doing the NHS clap. On my birthday all the residents wished me a happy birthday, which I thought was lovely.

“You feel involved as we can see her every day and see that she is happy.”

Daughter Barbara Lloyd said: “We’re in touch on Facetime every day, and one of the members of staff has taken on hairdressing – and is doing their hair and nails. Our mum looks wonderful.”

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.

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.”

Coun 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.”