In last year’s bleak midwinter, they told 2021 to “Bring it on” and now, as the world wobbles on the brink of 2022, the residents of Abbotsford Care Home are ready to go again.
A year after The Post visited, the elderly residents are planning to celebrate the New Year with new hope and a refusal to be cowed by Covid.
We returned to see how they are coping after another turbulent year and were cheered to find them vaccinated, boosted and raring to go.
Entrance to their care home in Bearsden, Glasgow, is gained only by a negative Covid test – with no exceptions.
Abbotsford went into lockdown at the beginning of March, before the Scottish Government’s official lockdown, because its owners feared for the safety of the elderly residents and so far, none have died from Covid.
One of the home’s owners, Dr Carol Sokhi, said: “We realised the risk it posed to our elderly and have done everything possible to keep our lovely residents safe.”
Sadly, one of residents we spoke to last year has passed away. Former Royal Navy officer, Gerry McMurrough, had a military bearing and the determination that saw him survive the Second World War.
He died aged 95 earlier this year leaving his friends to soldier on.
Roll with the punches. You get knocked down, you get up again
At 87, resident Margaret Owler, pats her newly styled hair and puts her dukes up for the camera, saying: “We have all lived for many years and have survived some hard times. Surely we can make it through this by following the advice of doctors and scientists.
“What I have learned from life is that you have to roll with the punches and when you are knocked down, you get back up again and try harder.
“No one said it was going to be easy and it seems to have gone on for ages, but keep on keeping on.
© Andrew Cawley“This is the time to take joy in the little things in life. The welcome cup of tea, the kindly chat with a friend and the kindness of someone who gives you a new hairstyle.
“Look for the goodness in everything because nothing or no one lasts forever.
“Show the world what you are made of and get through this with a smile. There’s no point in complaining even if you feel down.
“You have to show the youngsters how to survive tough times as well as how to party.
“They are looking to us to see how it’s done. Of course, it is hard work but that’s life.
“Spread a little happiness and life will be kinder to you.
“That’s what has kept me going, especially during this Covid.”
Live for today not tomorrow. Enjoy the good days and be kind
With her walking aid Jane Boston is still pretty nimble on her feet at 95.
The former clerk with Glasgow lorry and bus manufacturer Albion Motors, says she has seen more of her family recently, after the loosening of lockdown.
Her daughter, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren could keep in touch only by online Zoom calls.
© Andrew Cawley“That was the hardest thing to bear but I was not alone in missing my family. Millions of families have been separated by the virus because it has been the safest option.
“Staying healthy is the priority because we have no choice in the matter. There’s always many folk worse off than yourself. So my advice is to make the best of the bad times and enjoy the good days. We have a bit more living to do yet. Tell yourself that we have got this far and we won’t be beaten.
“They used to tell us to keep calm and carry on and never has that been truer than today. Do not dwell on what you can’t do, but appreciate what you can.
“Living is not about tomorrow all the time, but today and getting as much fun out of life as you can.
“Above all, be kind to others and you will get it back many fold. Accent the positive and eliminate the negative, as the song says.”
If life gives you lemons, make some lemonade and count your blessings
In safer times, between surges in case numbers, the residents ventured out in the Abbotsford minibus for day trips to cafes and for country runs.
Former skiers, husband and wife Marilyn and Graeme Carey, reminisced about their Alpine holidays at a snow centre.
Graeme, 78, a retired quantity surveyor, said: “Like skiing, life has its ups and downs, and while days out are lovely it is safer here. There is always next year, hopefully.
“We have our own home family here, as well as our own, and besides that the outside world comes to us, albeit safely with a negative Covid test.
“I miss going out but am able to watch the world go by from our bedroom window. Hopefully, it won’t be long until we are able to go out safely again. Until then we will spend our time in good company.”
© Andrew Cawley
Marilyn 76, remains philosophical, saying: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
“We miss our holidays on the slopes but surviving the pandemic is like skiing, you put all your effort into pushing forward.
“The only way is ahead. Having a positive attitude has got us this far, so count your blessings and make every day count.
“Work hard at remaining upbeat even if it is difficult at times. Always take an interest in others because everyone has a story to tell and something to teach us about living.”
The residents here are an inspiration. They can teach us all about enduring tough times with a smile
Some of the Abbotsford staff have been working for up to 27 years including domestic, Yvonne Carrol, 58.
The grandmother of three breaks off from cleaning door handles to say: “It’s my job to help keep this place Covid-free as it is no less than what our residents deserve. Testing before getting in and cleaning your hands constantly is a way of life for us all. We wear masks, distance from others outside and stay hopeful that it will all be over soon.”
© Andrew CawleyChef Raymond Graham, 45, who has clocked up 14 years at Abbotsford is planning the Hogmanay steak pie in the kitchen. “Birthday cakes are a bit more special during Covid to help reward the stoicism of our lovely residents. They have been an inspiration to us all.
“Afternoon teas and surprise parties are my way of making life for the residents a bit more special. I am constantly scouring the internet looking for new takes for the likes of mince and tatties, a favourite here.”
© Andrew CawleyMaintenance chief for the past 14 years is Amrik Singh Deerhe, 64, who put up the 8ft Christmas tree before lighting up the ivy covered walls at the entrance. “You have to get into the spirit of Christmas and put a smile on folks’ faces,” he says.
“It’s the basic rule of getting through this pandemic. Stay busy and the days pass quickly.” He recently repaired damage from Storm Arwen and made the home watertight again. “I am never happier climbing ladders or painting and decorating.”
© Andrew CawleyBalwinder Kaur’s 19 years as a care worker has seen her work many Christmas Days and Hogmanays. The mum of three and granny to two says: “This is my other family and I learn so much about life from them.
“It is vital that we respect people who have lived through tough times and we should look to them for guidance. I am always greeted with a smile when I come on duty and that is beyond price.”
© Andrew CawleyMore than 17 years of Edna Reilly’s 45 years as a care worker have been at Abbotsford. Edna, 61, said: “It’s a joy to care for people who have lived full lives and now need some TLC.
“I looked after my mum and gran and now attend to my family. It is a vocation and quite humbling to see how appreciative our residents are. I dread the day when I have
to retire.”
Senior carer, Linda Bennett, 64, urges the outside world to stay safe for themselves and others. The mum of three and granny to four said: “In my 17 years here, the past 22 months has been our toughest.
“We all work hard coming in on days off if necessary to cover absences. It’s a measure of the love we have for our residents.
“Extra tea parties and pampering sessions make life more bearable for them and who does not want to look their best at any age.”
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