LOCKDOWN ACROSS RENFREWSHIRE
Gerard Higgins is the acting unit manager of Hunterhill Care Home.
He said staff and residents had to adapt quickly at the start of the pandemic.
“When the pandemic started it forced us to think on our feet and make decisions quickly, as the situation was constantly changing,” he said. Our immediate concern was for the residents living within the care home – we had to make sure everything was in place to support them and staff, for example PPE. “We also had to make sure all infection prevention and control measures were in place.
“We had to spend more time supporting residents with all aspects of care – not only physical support but emotional support too.
“Staff also needed more support due to the concerns they had over the impact of Covid on themselves, their families, and residents
“Plus, we had to ensure residents maintained contact with their families due to visiting stopping.”
Gerard said his job has changed in a few ways.
“Families are missing face to face contact and touch,”he said.
“PPE is now in use always and our ways of working and getting to work have changed, for example staff can’t now share cars.
“Staffing levels have also had to increase to offer the highest level of support possible to the residents and to their families.
“I have been proud of the staff unity and dedication to their roles in doing everything possible to support residents, their families, and their colleagues during the pandemic. Staff have had to become more like family to the residents and offer high levels of emotional support in the absence of family.
“We’ve also seen the use of technology to keep residents and families connected and maintain relationships, things like iPads and mobile phones for Skype.”
Gerard said he is looking forward to meeting people in person.
He said:“My hopes for the future are that one day we will all be able to meet our family and friends again.”