Today (15 July) is Care Home Day, an online campaign to raise the profile of care homes across Scotland.
The day, now in its second year, highlights how care homes and their local communities have come together to support residents and staff. This year the day is especially important due to the coronavirus pandemic.
IMPACT
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeane Freeman, says: “Never has there been a time when we have had so much to be grateful for from our care sector and Care Home Day is the perfect opportunity to show our gratitude for care workers who have worked courageously and with compassion to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of those who live in care homes.
“Care homes are a vital part of Scotland’s communities and although the COVID-19 outbreak has included tragic loss of life in care homes, and brought many challenges, that sense of community continues to be at the heart of the care sector.”
The pandemic has especially impacted care homes with a particular threat to the lives of residents and staff. Lockdown measure’s have had an effect on people’s wellbeing, with visits to care homes restricted and stopped in order to keep people safe.
RESPONSE
Throughout the crisis the dedication of staff as they support residents, families and each other has been exceptional. The care home response to COVID-19 has involved innovative activity, unprecedented collaboration and people going above and beyond the call of duty.
Peter Macleod, CEO of the Care Inspectorate, says: “I want to pay tribute to the unwavering dedication of those in the care community who have worked so hard to support residents, staff and loved ones through these toughest of times.
“We’ve seen great compassion, as our care homes have worked tirelessly to keep people safe and well, and connected too, with loved ones and the community outside.”
Staff have made use of technology and social media to keep residents in touch with their families while building a sense of community within care homes during this challenging time.
Community
As care homes continue to provide a safe and homely setting for people around the country, Care Home Day is an important opportunity to recognise the essential role of care homes in our communities.
Organised by Scottish Care and supported by the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Goverenment, they are calling for individuals, care providers and partner organisation to share good stories from their local care homes on social media.
Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care, says: “I hope today will give care homes – in a virtual way – the chance to continue that journey back to normal. I hope today will also be the chance for the wider community to say a well-deserved thank you to the care homes which are at the heart of their communities.”
You can get involved using #carehomeday20 and thanking care homes for their work through this time.
Connect with your #EnableCommunity on social media, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.