As the coronavirus crisis took hold and chaos ensued in care homes across the country, carers in Wigan were keen to keep spirits sky high.
Care homes closed their doors early on as public health professionals struggled to contain Covid and the lockdown later came into force.
Members of staff would move into their workplaces whenever an outbreak occurred to make sure residents were safe and relatives were reassured.
But with no outside visitors allowed for months, many carers took on new roles ranging from entertainers to hairdressers and decorators.
Speaking at a scrutiny committee this week, Wigan Council adult services manager Jenny Yates told councillors how care workers went that extra mile.
She said: “Carers, managers and auxiliary staff who work in our care homes, as well as managing their own personal situations and emotions, have continued to deliver outstanding practice.
“We’ve seen examples across all of our homes of care staff taking a difficult decision sometimes to live in during outbreaks and that’s to ensure that staffing levels are consistent and they’re safe.
"And as homes have closed their doors to non-essential visits, we’ve also seen staff take on a number of different roles.
"For example, hairdressers and barbers, making sure people look sharp and feel looked after.
"We’ve had carers assume the role of handymen and decorators.
"And we’ve also seen carers take on the role of entertainers, really being steadfast in not wanting to let Covid get in the way of celebrating some key milestones."
Staff sang and entertained residents in full 1940s costumes on VE Day.
Some, at Lakeside Nursing Home in Standish, brought in their dogs and hosted their own Crufts show with activities and residents picking their favourites.
Registered manager Gail Howard explained more about the activities.
She said: "At Lakeside we’re very passionate about giving our residents something to look forward to each day that isn’t the traditional routine of watching TV or bingo.
"Our aim is to make every day special, whether it’s hosting a games night, competitions such as Lakesides Got Talent or even a cocktail party – nothing is off the table for our Lakeside residents.”
Ashleigh Leech explained how staff at The Hamiltons Care Home in Atheron, where she is a registered care manager, put their talents to the test.
She said: "Staff here have talents of their own outside of work. One staff member is a qualified hairdresser who was able to continue hairdressing here.
"One staff member was a DJ which meant she could bring in her equipment for us to have a lockdown karaoke and try to uplift spirits which was amazing.
"I myself am learning barbering. I've been doing my own hair in lockdown and obtained by own equipment which meant the gents here got a barber feel when having their haircuts."
Kathryn Disley, registered manager at Windsor House Care Home, explained how activities for residents have been a "major factor" in keeping moral high and keeping everyone stimulated, with all the team playing a "huge part".
The Standish site has been recently redecorated with photos of happy smiling faces on the newly-decorated walls, as chosen by residents at the home.
She said: “Our house is full of laughter and joy and our hearts are filled with empathy and compassion at one of the most difficult times in the history of the social care sector, but it will not faze us, we continue to make our house a happy home in good times and bad.”
Bertha Baker, who lives in Lime House Care Home in Lowton, celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this month but regional restrictions which came into force at the end of July meant that relatives could not visit her on the day.
Her daughter Wendy Kay explained how staff still made the day special.
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She said: “They came up with the idea to do a Zoom call. They were provided with iPads from the local council.
"21 people joined. Family from Denmark, Wales, Spain. We had a full hour watching her open her cards and presents. And at the end they brought her a cake.
“To be honest, I wasn’t surprised because they really do look after mum. She loves it there. They’re a great lot of people. Everyone there."
Wigan Council and the clinical commissioning group (CCG) have gifted iPads to care homes so that residents can keep in touch with their relatives.
The local authority also provided each of the borough's care homes with some static pedals giving residents the chance to take part in virtual bicycle rides.
And the library and archive services produced neighbourhood packs of reminisce photographs which were given to residents in care homes.
Mark Cash, CEO of Advinia Care, the company which owns Bedford Care Home in Leigh, thanked Wigan Council for the support received recently.
He said: "I have cited Wigan as one of the two most supportive of the major authorities we have worked with during this Covid-19 pandemic and held you up as a role model to other local authorities and CCGs across England when highlighting what good support looks like.”
