Deanfield’s new WhatsApp group brings joy to Residents’ loved ones

Colleagues at Deanfield Care Home have won praise from relatives by sharing heart-warming videos and messages from Residents in a new WhatsApp group.

As Residents are currently unable to receive visitors, Home Manager Claribel Durairaj and her Colleagues wanted to find a way to reassure relatives that their loved ones were doing well.

So, after pitching the idea in a relatives meeting, it was agreed that Deanfield would set up a dedicated group on WhatsApp where Colleagues could share uplifting videos, loving messages and pictures from events with families

According to Claribel, the response so far has been fantastic.

Claribel said: “The comments and messages we’ve received from relatives have been incredible.

“One lady wrote, ‘Very emotional looking at those videos. Thank you so much for looking after our loved ones. The picture at the front door of the Home is true, ‘Not all angels have wings, some of them work in Deanfield Care Home’.

“I cannot tell you how much this comment and the many others we’ve received mean to me and my Colleagues.”

Residents at Deanfield have been keeping busy during the lockdown, making videos and participating in lots of fun activities. At the weekends, Colleagues are going out of their way to facilitate video chatting, so that families can spend some precious face-to-face time with Residents.

Claribel said: “We understand that this is a difficult time for families and everybody wants to check-in and have a proper conversation with their loved ones.

“We hope the videos and messages we send throughout the week on WhatsApp will help bridge the gap until the weekend video calling.

“It’s working well so far, and we’re so happy to have found a way to lift the spirits of our Residents and their families.”