NEWS
Changing seasons at St John’s Care Home
Posted on 06 May 2021
The gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown measures has brought gradual changes to Mansfield Care. At St John’s Care Home in Melrose, residents have been cheered immensely not just by the arrival of spring, but also by the return of indoor visits from designated family members.
Under current measures in Scotland, a single visitor can now come into the care home twice a week after being tested for the virus, for a socially-distanced visit of half an hour. St John’s Wellness Coordinator Denise has noticed the difference, noting “there’s been a real improvement in everyone’s mood.” Several residents have partners outside St John’s and the changes to indoor visiting arrangements have had a very positive impact. Other visitors are also able to use mobile phone calls and video calls to stay in touch with their loved ones.
Denise says residents also loved a recent special visit from a canine friend, Jack the Patterdale terrier, who belongs to a staff member. “We used to receive dog therapy visits at St John’s before coronavirus arrived. Being able to cuddle a dog after a year of restrictions is great for the residents.”
Other signs of the changing seasons and a reduction in lockdown restrictions has been the return of regular visits from the local ice cream van. Denise says, “everyone loves a soft ice cream with a flake. I’m also hoping to arrange visits from a mobile fish and chip van, as they don’t need to enter the building.”
Many residents had their own gardens before moving to St John’s, and the care home’s own generous green space with its fruit trees and flowering plants is an important part of the St John’s ambience. Denise says several of the residents are very knowledgeable on the subject of plants. “One of our residents used to work as a gardener. In the summer and autumn, I pick some of the lavender flowers and collect apples to pass around for everyone to enjoy the scents.”
With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s hoped there will soon be plenty of opportunities for everyone at St John’s to get back outdoors and enjoy garden visits.
Many thanks to Mansfield Care Homes staff for the lovely photos.
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