Fife care home staff keep residents entertained during coronavirus pandemic

With care homes being in a state of lockdown because of the pandemic, it means elderly residents have not been able to welcome residents.

In order to allow residents to keep in touch with their families on the outside, staff at Abbotsford Bayview care home set up a private Facebook page where they can share videos and pictures, showing how the residents are getting on. Families are also sharing messages and videos of their own.

Samantha Beattie, care home manager, said staff were doing what they can to keep residents entertained during the pandemic.

“We’re trying to keep them all happy,” she said. “We’ve not experienced anything like this before. It is crazy.

“The residents want to be kept informed about coronavirus. They see the news.

“The families have been really understanding.”

Samantha, who only started as manager two weeks ago, added: “I’m still getting to know the staff and residents. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch. Everyone is going above and beyond.”

The care home organised a special Mother’s Day event last week, where two pipers –Morgan McAleese and Kai Hay from Methil & District Pipe Band – and two singers – Steph Gilmour and Danny Gear – performed in the garden, while the residents sat at the doors watching.

People from around the world have also been sending cards and letters.