There has been extraordinary, everyday courage shown everywhere in 2020 but, for many, the residents in Scotland’s care homes have been most heroic of all.
In a year full of uncertainty and loss, they have endured and, now, as a new year begins and the vaccination programme rolls out, they are looking ahead to a brighter, safer tomorrow.
The residents of Abbotsford House care home in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, were the first in their county to be vaccinated against Covid. Owners Carol and Surjit Sokhi put the home into lockdown in the first week in March, earlier than many.
Now Carol, a GP, says: “Keeping our residents and staff happy and safe has been a priority. With the first course of the Covid vaccine, here’s to happier days.”
Paul Sokhi, Abbotsford’s managing director, said: “I realised early on that full lockdown early on, ahead of many others, was vital to keep our residents safe and set it in place.”
The home has built a garden pod to allow visits at a social distance and, taking all precautions, The Sunday Post spoke to some of the residents last week about their hopes for the new year.
John McArthur, 36, home manager, said: “We have some wonderful residents in here who make it a joy come into work each day. They know how to enjoy themselves and can teach us all how to survive the tough times.
“We locked down in early March a week or so before the government’s official date and that has stood us in good stead. It has made lockdown that bit longer but no real hardship and now there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Karen Anderson, 51, deputy manager, said: “I dread the day when I have to retire, in fact I never want to leave. We all have a lot to learn from the people who have survived well into their 80s and 90s.”
We know how to keep going
Jane Boston’s face lights up when she talks about her family.
The former clerk with Glasgow lorry and bus manufacturer Albion Motors, says she misses seeing her daughter, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren but keeps in touch on Zoom.
With a smile, Jane, 94, says: “It’s been a long year where we have all been distanced from our families and, like any mum would, I have found that hard to bear.
“I have missed my daughter terribly and cannot wait until we get back to normal again. This distancing has to be done though to keep Covid at bay and everyone safe. By the time you get to my age, you have lived through some big challenges in life. You know how to keep going.
“I can’t wait to get back to meeting and hugging family and getting out a bit more. Luckily, I have lots of friends in here, but normal life will not resume until we are all protected against this virus. With the first Covid jab done, we are on the way there.”
Here’s to happier days ahead
Husband and wife Marilyn and Graeme Carey are getting through lockdown together and yearning for happier days when they can get back to enjoying day trips out of the home.
While they have each other, they do miss relatives, including their three children and grandchildren.
Graeme, 78, a retired quantity surveyor, said: “Life has its good and bad times and you
have to weather them all. Take the good with the bad and you won’t go far wrong.
“We are so lucky to have each other, and the community and staff in here. But we look forward to days when we can all go out on trips without face masks and see the world again. Until then, it’s stay safe and keep in.”
Marilyn, 76, said: We have been lucky to see our family on the computer. Our daughter lives in New York and it’s amazing that modern technology makes that possible.
“That has been really good for us. Hopefully, by the lighter days, we will all get back to normal and be able to see a bit more of life, so here’s to happier days.”
Keep smiling and get on with it
With an enduring smile and determination to match, Margaret Owler, 86, is ready to face whatever 2021 has to throw at her.
Straightening her stylish faux-fur jacket as she chats in the winter sunshine of the care home garden, she says with a smile: “I’m hanging together. I don’t think we have any choice in the matter.
“No one wants to live in lockdown but what can you do? We have got this far during the virus and intend to see it through.”
Margaret has two sons and her grandson Douglas, a piper, plays the bagpipes for residents from the garden on St Andrew’s Day.
“We brought the entertainment to us in lockdown,” she said.
“If there is one thing life teaches you, it’s how to get on with it. Keep smiling and it will see you through. I’m looking forward to the summer when everyone gets the jag and we can all relax a bit.
“We missed the trip to the pantomime this year, but there’s always next year.”
There’s a lot of living to do yet
Former Royal Navy officer, Gerry McMurrough, still has a military bearing at the age of 94, and the determination that has saw him survive World War Two.
He’s from a Navy family and his brother and sister also served aboard ship. Wife Grace passed away 14 years ago and he misses her sorely.
But he believes that tough times need tough measures. “You have to keep moving,” he said. “You can’t afford to give in and, believe me, that’s the only way to handle something like this virus.
“Covid means the home is quieter and everything that comes through the front door is checked and cleaned. “Days in a care home can seem longer, but the room service is good,” he smiled.
“I look forward to 2021 and happier days when you see more of life outside and don’t have to worry.
“There is canal barge trip planned for better days, hopefully summer 2021. We have a lot of living to do yet!”
All images by Andrew Cawley
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