Following the closure of their home, residents at Barley View have received a wave of supportive messages from staff at the Calico Group. With visiting temporarily on hold, the new pen pal scheme aims to keep loneliness at bay by drawing people and services together.
Given the vulnerable nature of its residents, managers at Barley View had to make the drastic decision on March 19th to close the home to visitors. Since the closure, the Group have been quick to ensure both the safety and spirits of residents are maintained. Staff from across the Group have spared time to pen a card or letter to residents, sharing family updates, pictures of pets and even motivational poetry.
SafeNet Domestic Abuse and Support Services has also partnered with Barley View to implement a pen pal scheme, drawing very different services together to develop mutually beneficial exchanges.
Relatives and friends are being supported to maintain contact with residents through alternative methods. Residents at Barley View are embracing technology, utilising video call software to maintain daily interaction with loved ones.
In addition to combating isolation, Barley View have acted quickly to limit the risk of infection among residents. Staff and resident temperatures are taken and monitored regularly throughout the day. Residents are getting into the spirit of keeping safe, competing with staff to complete the temperature rounds first. Phone support has taken a prominent role within the home, with all essential external health professionals providing distance support where possible to protect residents.
The drastic move to close Barley View to visitors was taken in light of revised guidance from the Government. The updated advice states that those at increased risk should closely follow social distancing measures. Those deemed to be at elevated risk include those with underlying health conditions and those over 70, underlining the necessity of the measures Barley View have taken to protect residents.
“The Calico Group is dedicated to prioritising our elderly residents in ensuring we continue to provide the upmost care and support at this time. Barley View management and staff are focussing now more than ever on ensuring our residents receive messages of love in a creative and fun way and that we promote wellbeing and laughter for our residents, in a time of adversity and challenge”
Nicola Crompton-Hill
Director – Health, Care and Wellbeing, Calico Group
