With lockdown still in force, we’re continuing our look at the care homes around the Stewartry to see how they’re coping with life under the restrictions.
This week it’s Strathdee in Kirkcudbright, run by Abbeyfield Stewartry Society. Home to nine residents, there have been no Covid-19 cases and PPE stocks remain adequate.
Operations manager, Ann Pickthall, said: “The staff are absolutely brilliant and have been doing everything they can to keep the residents safe as well as keeping their spirits up during this difficult time, as they are missing seeing their families and friends.
“Staff have been doing their hair and holding movie and bingo nights. Joy Merry, who is 90, has taken over the running of the weekly exercise class and some residents have also been walking in the garden to exercise.
“Young sisters Lucy and Lily Mitchell who live across the road have been helping to brighten the house up for the residents. They made lots of colourful rainbow pictures and also delivered some beautiful flowers.”
A prosecco tea will be held tomorrow to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. It’s not the only celebrations of late as Chris Pirie was 96 on April 25 and Anne Buckley was 99 the following day.
Chris said: “Strathdee is a lovely home. The staff are very caring and look after our every need and are doing everything they can to keep our spirits up.”
Anne added: “I had a lovely birthday and I got to see and speak to my son on the computer which was nice but strange”
Fellow resident Cynthia Douglas said: “The staff at Strathdee are very caring and obliging. They are trying so hard to lighten our boredom during this difficult time.
“We are thankful to have the garden to walk around.”
And Joy Merry said: “I have been at Strathdee now for just over a year and couldn’t think of a better place to live. All the staff are fantastic.”
