The show must go on!

We have been finding new ways of keeping our residents entertained throughout the Coronavirus outbreak and we thought we would share it with you!

We took the early decision to close our doors to non-essential visitors in mid-March in order to create a ‘cocooning environment’ for those in our care. We had to adapt the way we do things to ensure that our residents continued to enjoy themselves and make the most of everyday!

We invited a regular entertainer to Porterbrook this week, Lindsey Ellis, to sing to our residents. We have a fantastic balcony area and residents were able to sit outside and listen to the music with the sun shining.

Our Home Manager Sheilagh had a few words to say say: “We decided that the show must go on at The Porterbrook. Our residents used to love seeing the weekly entertainers, singers and musicians. We used to have art classes, music therapy, and even had a company come in with huskies. We also had a Bollywood night, an Elf Day, you name it and we’ve probably done it at The Porterbrook!

“Since the outbreak of the virus, we’ve had to stop all non-essential visitors to the home, but we came up with another way of getting one of the home’s favourite entertainers, Lindsay Ellis, to come and sing. We have a beautiful terrace at the front of the home so we thought let’s use it in a different way!

“We sat the residents outside and Lindsay just sang up to them from below by the entrance to the home which they absolutely loved. They were so pleased to see her and listen to their favourite songs. And keeping our residents safe and making them smile is what we all strive to achieve at The Porterbrook every day. It’s why we do what we do!”

Our residents have been able to keep in touch with their families through telephone and social media. Everyone has been most understanding and patient throughout lockdown and we can’t thank you enough!