Home finds rickshaw way to help residents
A INNOVATIVE care home has found a new way to allow residents and families to meet safely after the government advised against making visits.
Families of those in residential facilities have been told that all non-essential visiting must stop in response to the rising rates of Covid19.
Birkdale Park Nursing Home was among the first to suspend visits before the Government made the policy mandatory earlier this year but, fearing the mental health impact of a new ban, owner Jonathan Cunningham MBE has now found a new way to allow residents to maintain contact with loved ones.
Mr Cunningham has adapted the home’s infamous rickshaw by adding a plastic safety screen to allow residents and families to enjoy trips out together.
That means they can ride together and enjoy an ice cream or hot chocolate without coming into direct contact.
The rickshaw has been used for several years to give residents trips to places such as Southport Pier and former Army major Mr Cunningham is delighted to have found a new use for it.
He said: “It is wonderful to see our gorgeous residents enjoy these expeditions out from the home.
“They are completely safe and everyone enjoys time with their loved ones.
“At a time when some other homes have locked out relatives, Birkdale Park has done the opposite to arrange trips out with their most dear.
“At times like this we have to innovate and think of new ways of maintaining these loving relationships.”