Staff at Care South, a company that runs residential, nursing and dementia care homes across the south west, have been left ‘overjoyed’ by an influx of donations they’ve received from companies and individuals in Dorset.
Gifts and treats have been flooding in for Care South since the UK was placed on lockdown on 23 March 2020, and staff at Dorset-based care homes have expressed thanks for the acts of kindness, which came in the form of everything from flowers to a robotic cat.
Chief Executive, Simon Bird commented: “I would like to thank the businesses and communities local to Care South’s homes for all their support, generous donations and acts of kindness during these very difficult times. Their generosity and goodwill makes such a difference.
“Care South staff are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our residents and service users, making sure that they are well cared for, well fed, hydrated and entertained in an environment observing the very highest infection control measures. They are also going above and beyond to help our residents stay in touch with their loved ones during the current lockdown.
“We think Care South staff are truly remarkable people and it’s heartening to see so many in the community do too. We’re currently sharing all the kind comments we’re receiving with our staff through our website, and would like to invite anyone who wants to express their thanks to visit [it].”
Some of the generous donations included Easter eggs and chocolate from The National Trust on Brownsea Island, The Christchurch Confectioner & Gin Shop, and Hillier Garden Centres at Three Legged Cross, as well as flowers from Sainsbury’s in Christchurch and Lidl in Ringwood. But the most unusual donation was a robotic therapy cat, donated by The Rotary Club. These faux pets are used to support residents suffering from dementia. They respond to speech and touch, and are can help to reduce some of the stress and anxiety dementia causes.
Julie Moody, Activities Care Assistant at Elizabeth House in Alderney, said “The cat (now called Timmy) was delivered safe and sound with batteries included so he was ready to go. The residents absolutely adore him and it was one of our residents who decided they wanted to call him Timmy, as he reminded him of a cat he had growing up of the same name.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to The Rotary Club of Great Britain & Ireland. Elizabeth House will be working closely with The Rotary Club in Poole to build strong links in the future and we appreciate them supporting us at the moment.”