Please note that as of October 2020, we now operate as Sight Scotland. Our former name, Royal Blind will appear in content, such as reports, produced before that date.
Spirits are high at Sight Scotland’s care homes, despite the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak
Spirits are high at Royal Blind’s care homes, despite the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak.
Jenny’s Well care home residents pining for loved ones sang a rousing rendition of the war-time classic “We’ll Meet Again” earlier this week. The 1939 song, sung by English singer Vera Lynn, was popular during WWII when soldiers left their families, friends and loved ones to fight in Europe.
The care home residents, sitting two-metres apart, each held up signs with the song’s lyrics: “We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when”. Other signs read: “We all miss you, but we are OK”, reassuring loved ones that they’re soldiering on.
More than 95 people have shared the video at Royal Blind’s Facebook page.
See the video at: youtu.be/rF-LxPbDy8U
Jenny’s Well care home is run by the Scottish charity Royal Blind and specialises in care for older people with visual impairments.
Nicola Dow, Deputy Manager at Jenny’s Well, says visits from family members to the care home have been suspended, as per government advice, to minimise the chances of the older people catching the Coronavirus.
Nicola Dow says: “The people we care for are over 70, and so are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the Coronavirus. We have restricted visits to medical only and are maintaining social distancing where possible, as per government advice.
“We know it’s incredibly hard for everyone in our care not to have face-to-face contact with our loved ones at the moment. Our staff are using these iPads to facilitate video chats with residents’ families and scheduling phone calls, keeping them connected with their loved ones,” Nicola says.
“Families have been very understanding. They’re missing their loved ones, but that’s to be expected. I am feeling very proud to be a part of the Royal Blind community and supporting our residents through this very difficult and trying time.
Nicola said that like many charities, Royal Blind was facing additional costs.
“Our priority is always to those we care for. However, at the moment we have increased demand for nursing, care and therapy equipment to provide this support. Our key workers need more equipment to provide vital one-on-one care.”
“I know COVID 19 has put a huge strain on many families. However, if you would like to donate to help with our work at this vital time, we would be exceptionally grateful.”
Text SIGHT to 70460 to donate £4 to Royal Blind. Texts cost £4 plus one standard rate message.
“We know it’s incredibly hard for everyone in our care not to have face-to-face contact with our loved ones at the moment. Our staff are using these iPads to facilitate video chats with residents’ families and scheduling phone calls, keeping them connected with their loved ones."