Appeal to boost hundreds of care home workers across Doncaster

Now, an appeal has been launched to let those who are caring for vulnerable pensioners in care homes across the borough know that their work is appreciated.

Mental health nurses at Tickhill Road Hospital have launched an appeal for goodies and well-wishes to show staff working in Doncaster’s 45 care homes how much they are appreciated.

Katie Ford and colleagues at the hospital’s Opal Centre hit on the idea of collecting treats and thank you messages to pass on to those looking after some of the borough’s most vulnerable people and have created a special facebook page – Positive thoughts for Doncaster care homes – to get the message out.

Kate, an older people’s mental health liaison nurse at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), said: “It’s a very challenging time for all these staff and we want to give them a big boost. We are aware of one Doncaster care home where the carers decided to lockdown with the residents five weeks ago to help protect them from Coronavirus and they haven’t left since. This is just one example of the tremendous personal commitment these carers are giving.

“We want to give people the opportunity to say thank you for all they aredoing, particularly those who have friends and family living in care homes and currently cannot have visitors.

“The appeal is in two parts. Firstly, we are asking for positive letters, or pictures which could be drawn by children, to be sent to care home staff. If

anyone wants to send direct to a care home near them, we have a list of addresses.

“Secondly, we are collecting items to create ‘positive packs’ for each care home, such as food and drink treats, craft activities and wellbeing activities to give them all a smile. Any donations will be gratefully received.”

> If you would like to help out please ring Kate on 07785 731803 or the Home Frailty Team on 01302 798019