Marie Curie are encouraging people to mark 23 March 2021 as a National Day of Reflection. This is the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown. A time to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future. https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection
Our reflection on the year
With this in mind and as we welcome back visitors, we have been looking back at the year. Many of our residents’ families sent in photo albums during lockdown. A lovely thing to do, so our residents always had their pictures close by. We always enjoy hearing all the stories behind those photos, the summer holidays, the special occasions and the cherished memories.
There is a sense of family and togetherness between residents and our team that has been made stronger through the lockdowns. There has been lots of laughter and joy amongst the frustrations of being away from friends and family.
Over the past few weeks we have been helping our residents put together their own photo albums. These are as scrapbooks of all the snaps we have taken of their time at The Lawns. We put lots of our pictures on Facebook, but it is lovely for residents to have their own visual record. It is particularly lovely to see them share their memories at reunions with loved ones.
Looking back at the year of lockdowns, we have certainly been making memories. Some big achievements such as our garden project. And smaller personal achievements with baking, hobbies and mastering technology with our interactive table and Zoom! Fabulous community events with our Scarecrow Festival and Community Carols at Christmas. Lots of in-home antics from Superhero Days, to celebrations for VE Day, to pancake races and bake-offs!
Always enjoying life as each residents wants to live; be it pursuing their hobbies, enjoying pottering in the garden, helping prepare dinner and then enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine.
Welcoming back visitors
We are hopeful that the return back to internal visits for named loved ones can also be expanded as the vaccine rollout progresses. There is such joy seeing residents and their loved ones reunited. After nearly 60 years of marriage and time apart through lockdown, Basil and Thelma’s love is so clear to see, when they could finally spend time together.
And the vaccination roll out
We are delighted to say that all of our residents are receiving their second COVID-19 vaccinations in March and our staffing team are well underway with theirs as well. We continue to be COVID free at The Lawns and we are welcoming new admissions to our home.