‘Diligence’ praised as Larne nursing home staff and residents test negative for Covid-19

And the Larne, Co Antrim, care facility, which took the difficult decision 15 weeks ago close its doors to visitors in response to the pandemic, is pleased to provide a very positive update.

Liz Rowan, managing director, said: “Some of the best news we have had in recent weeks is that, when tested, all of our staff and residents tested negative for Covid-19. This was excellent news, and is without doubt due to the diligence of our amazing staff team. I would like to pay tribute to them as it has been their willingness to put residents first and apply the rigid guidelines and protocols, both at work and in their own time, that has contributed significantly to this position.

“I am delighted to say that last week we were able to open those doors again to create a space for an alternative type of visiting that we are calling ‘porch visiting’. A Perspex screen now separates the inner and outer porches at the entrance. The resident sits on one side of the screen in the inner porch, and the relative sits on the other side, in a covered ‘outer’ porch.

“Physically being able to open the front doors again, albeit in a very limited manner, has been a real morale boost for all of us, and the feedback from both residents and relatives has been that this is most definitely a very welcome step in the right direction.

“There are many aspects of this coronavirus pandemic lockdown period that have been extremely challenging, but there are also many positive things which will remain in our memory for years to come.”

Creativity and kindness have been key in the response to the challenges of this unprecedented period.

Liz continued: “Our staff have had to develop new skills as we are unable to have our regular hairdressers and beauticians on the premises. In order to keep our residents feeling spoiled and well cared for whilst they miss regular visits from their families, it is our staff team who have developed skills as hairdressers, nail technicians, artists and more.

‘When a staff meeting was needed last week, our very creative management team decided to hold it outdoors in the garden – an ideal way to bring together a good number of the staff team for practical exercises in relation to the ongoing use of PPE – and a good excuse for a hotdog and refreshments in the sunshine.

“We have been delighted to participate in some alternative events organised by Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership (MEAAP). On National Fish and Chips Day, which takes place on the first Friday in June every year, the residents in Gillaroo enjoyed a meal of fish, chips and peas from a local chip shop, kindly provided by MEAAP.

“Last week Jenny Dougan, our local MEAAP community navigator, tried her hand at a new role – that of bingo caller as she entertained our residents with a session of ‘Doorstep Bingo’ Residents remained in the sun lounge while Jenny did her calling from outside. This was a fun activity, again enjoyed by all who participated.

“I have mentioned in previous articles the kindness of many families and local businesses during this crisis, and those acts of kindness continue. We recently received a very generous (anonymous) cash donation which we were able to share with all staff. These acts of kindness have been vitally important in ensuring that morale remains as high as possible in difficult times, and on behalf of all of us in Gillaroo Lodge I want to express our sincere thanks for all the expressions of kindness and goodwill that have been sent our way.

Bonding

“Shared experiences in times of difficulty often form the basis of a unique friendship bond. Not only has our staff team grown into a very tight group where members support each other and work exceptionally well together, the members of staff involved in hosting the new porch visits and the ongoing practice of video calling each week, have developed deep and lasting bonds with residents and their families as they have navigated the emotional challenges of this new way of keeping in touch.”

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