Residents with visual impairment at Braeside House care home have been enjoying all sorts of socially distanced activities, as the Coronavirus pandemic has continued,
We asked three care home residents at Braeside House care home in Edinburgh about their experience of the Coronavirus pandemic over the last few months, and this is what they said.
What has it been like living at Braeside House like since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the UK?
Mary: Everyone has been very good and staff have done the right thing not allowing us to have visitors, although this has been very hard. I really miss going to events where we can all be together, but they are doing their best to do things.
Jessie: I am very well looked after day and night, and very well fed. You are always asked if you want to do anything and if you say no, they don’t push you to do it.
Frances: It’s not been too bad as had things to distract us (ie. music and quizzes) and we have been well looked after.
While there have been changes, what have some enjoyable moments been?
Mary: The most enjoyable thing I have been a part of since this happened was a wonderful sing-along on our rooftop garden. I have only done this once but thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again, enjoying the fresh air as it makes things feel more normal.
Jessie: Speaking to family on the phone was nice but it’s not the same as seeing them. It was nice to speak to my grandson, who is 2 years old. It made me feel good after speaking to him.
Frances: I have enjoyed the quiz programmes on telly.
I have also enjoyed all the activities I have taken part in. These are done differently as we can’t really take part in groups, but I think the activity team are doing a really good job of finding activities to suit everyone’s needs.
Are there any new activities you’ve been enjoying?
Mary: I enjoyed being part of the Clap For Our Careers: they all do such a good job and don’t always get the recognition so it was lovely to be able to show our appreciation. I have also enjoyed all the activities I have taken part in. These are done differently as we can’t really take part in groups, but I think the activity team are doing a really good job of finding activities to suit everyone’s needs.
Jessie: I have enjoyed the news groups and quizzes. I feel comfortable about social distancing as I understand it's so the virus doesn’t spread.
Frances: It can feel a bit annoying as you cannot speak to your friends the same but understand why we have to do our part as we are all adults. I understand it’s because we don’t want to spread the virus and it is sensible to wear masks and gloves.
What do you think of the measures we have undertaken, such as social distancing, masks and gloves, to minimise risks of virus transmission?
Mary: Very sensible and what is needed to minimise the risk of the virus. I feel very worried when I hear on the news about the virus in care homes especially as I was new to the care home, but I feel the staff are taking the precautions required to help reduce any risk to us.
Jessie: I would rather see the staff without masks on so I can see them smiling.
Frances: It can feel a bit annoying as you cannot speak to your friends the same but understand why we have to do our part as we are all adults. I understand it’s because we don’t want to spread the virus and it is sensible to wear masks and gloves.