Due to the current situation in the UK, with people advised to stay in their homes, the residents at Winifred Dell decided to write letters to their loved ones. They wanted to reassure them, send their love and update them on life at the care home.
With visits being limited to control the spread of Covid-19, the residents wanted to let their families know that although they can't stop by at the moment, they are still able to stay in touch. Team members at the care homes are assisting residents with video calls and 'facetime' sessions with their loved ones, so they let their relatives know about this in their letters too.
As they wrote their letters, they spoke to their friends at the care home about the loved ones they were writing too and some of the memories they have. It was really special hearing the fond stories about each of the resident's relatives and showed how much they value their families.
Pictured is one of the residents with a team member and their letters, although this doesn't deliver the unique smell or experience of receiving one. The residents reminisced during this activity, of the times they would handwrite and send letters to their friends and families frequently. They said there's something much more special about sending a letter in the post and sitting eagerly waiting for the postman to arrive with the return mail. They also said how technology has removed that from society, but in times of crisis, it's the traditional methods that are key.
The team and residents are staying positive at Winifred Dell Care Home, by helping each other and staying in touch with their families. This has benefits for the residents, as it improves their written communication, evokes reminiscence through the traditional method and teaches them about the capabilities of recent technology too.
If you have a relative living in an Excelcare home and would like to get in touch with them, please email; Info@excelcareholdings.com.