Birthday plans altered for Sadie and Walter’s 100th

Marking life’s special occasions while in social isolation

2020-05-26 - By SIMON BOURKE

THERE have been many birthdays celebrated during lockdown, many special occasions altered by the pandemic, but few carry the weight, the importance, of marking a century on this earth.

Both Sadie Burke and Walter Goode have recently reached that milestone, turning 100 on March 25 and May 16 respectively. As residents of Kerlogue Nursing Home neither were allowed to receive visits from family members on their big day, instead it was left to staff at the home to throw parties befitting such occasions.

‘Sadie had a big birthday party planned for 100th but that had to be cancelled, which was unfortunate,’ said General Manager at Kerlogue, Edele Lee Morris. ‘But we made sure it was a special occasion for her; we had a staff playing music, and we got her a cake, some presents and lots of flowers.’

By the time Walter’s big day arrived the restrictions at nursing homes across the country were firmly in place, but nonetheless every effort was made to ensure he enjoyed this landmark occasion.

‘We had a tea-party for Walter and practised social distancing - he was with his own cohort of people and staff members, the centre is separated into different sections at the moment,’ said Edele.

‘Unfortunately no loved ones could be present for either of their birthdays but we arranged for them to chat with family members via face time.’

And with no confirmed cases of the coronavirus so far, Edele said morale at Kerlogue remains high.

‘Everyone is doing well, but obviously there’s no visits allowed right now and we’re still adhering to best practises as advised by the Government.’