THE SURVIVOR
We hail the extraordinary, everyday courage of Scotland’s care homes as we meet indomitable residents looking forward to a happier, safer 2021
I have made a promise to enjoy every single day
There has been extraordinary, everyday courage shown everywhere in 2020 but, for many, the residents in Scotland’s care homes have been most heroic of all.
In a year full of uncertainty and loss, they have endured and, now, as a new year begins and the vaccination programme rolls out, they are looking ahead to a brighter, safer tomorrow.
The residents of Abbotsford House care home in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, were the first in their county to be vaccinated against Covid. Owners Carol and Surjit Sokhi put the home into lockdown in the first week in March, earlier than many. Now Carol, a GP, says: “Keeping our residents and staff happy and safe has been a priority. With the first course of the Covid vaccine, here’s to happier days.”
The home has built a garden pod to allow visits at a social distance and, taking all precautions, The Sunday Post spoke to some of the residents last week about their hopes for the new year. John Mcarthur, 36, home manager, said: “We have some wonderful residents in here who make it a joy come into work each day. They know how to enjoy themselves and can teach us all how to survive the tough times.
“We locked down in early March a week or so before the government’s official date and that has stood us in good stead. It has made lockdown that bit longer but no real hardship and now there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Karen Anderson, 51, deputy manager, said: “I dread the day when I have to retire, in fact I never want to leave. We all have a lot to learn from the people who have survived well into their 80s and 90s.”