With the lockdown having been extended, we continue our catch-up with the Stewartry’s care homes to see how staff and residents are doing at this difficult time.
And it’s fair to say that the team at Alma McFadyen House in Dalbeattie have been having lots of fun.
A video of the folk there singing “We’ll Meet Again” went viral on Facebook with friends and relatives from around the world checking in to see how their pals and loved ones were doing.
It also drew the attention of the BBC which featured them on a new series designed to keep the country’s spirits up during lockdown.
And on Friday afternoon they had a great time with a special garden party to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Manager, Leanna Mitchell, said: “Residents and staff are coping the best we can throughout this very difficult time. Staff are working with the residents to come up with different activities to keep them active and entertained as well as to ensure that their physical and mental well-being isn’t affected too much.
“We have been keeping our residents busy with activities such as our sing along video which we are pleased to say reached more than 44 thousand views and resulted in us featuring on Virus Diaries on BBC Scotland, garden party and barbecue, spa day, bedroom bingo and a cream tea.
“Residents are very much missing their families, however. I think they are as happy as they could possibly be. We are doing our utmost to keep the atmosphere up, to keep the spirits high.”
Leanna was also grateful for the efforts people in the local area had been making to help the residents.
She added: “The community of Dalbeattie and surrounding areas has been nothing short of amazing from their donations of PPE, games and puzzles to freshly baked cakes. I really don’t know how I can think them all enough.
"The sacrifices they are taking every day will never forgotten.”
