Care home staff 'fantastic' says Harrogate charity boss

In addition to delivering daily personal care, the team at Disability Action Yorkshire’s Claro Road care home have been helping keep the 21 customers’ spirits up, by helping them stay in touch with the outside world during the coronavirus lockdown.

The majority of the residents are young, disabled people, used to going out on a regular basis, in addition to having frequent visits from parents, siblings, boyfriends and girlfriends.

But for the last three weeks, and following Government guideline, none of the customers have ventured beyond the confines of the premises, and at the same time all outside visits have ceased.

Now, they are communicating “virtually” via video conference calls facilitated by the staff, who are also ensuring they have plenty of entertainment within the communal areas and the home’s garden.

Jackie Snape, Disability Action Yorkshire chief executive, said: “The whole team has been absolutely magnificent, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and team spirit.

“The majority of our customers are aged in their 20s and 30s, and like anyone else they are used to going out into town, meeting friends and family, and going shopping.

“Whilst the customers are adhering to Government advice and staying in their home, the staff are doing everything possible to make it as easy as wherever possible, as normal for them.”

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Jackie added: “Social Care staff are on the coronavirus frontline, and as such we have had staff off sick and self-isolating. We have redeployed resources from our head office, furniture warehouse and training facility at Hornbeam Park

“Everyone has risen to the challenge and rallied around to ensure there is adequate cover 24 hours a day and our customers receive the care they deserve. To say I’m proud of them is an understatement!”

Further information about Disability Action Yorkshire, is available from its website, www.disabilityactionyorkshire.org.uk

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