The postcard initiative connecting care home residents with loved ones they can't see in coronavirus lockdown

Residents at Palmersdene Care Home in Jarrow have been making and writing their own postcards to let to relatives and friends know that they are managing during this difficult time.

As we enter week eight of lockdown, care home residents remain among those being shielded during the pandemic because they fall into the most vulnerable category.

This means that they are still unable to have visitors into the home in a bid to prevent the spread of the illness.

However, Palmersdene staff are continuing to help residents to connect with their loved ones during this difficult time and offer families reassurance that their relatives are doing well despite the circumstances.

And the postcards have been a hit with residents who have enjoyed making the cards together in the home.

In response, residents have been delighted to receive postcards from all over the country.

The cards are just one of a number of ways the home is helping residents combat feelings of isolation, with video calls and newsletters also being made to keep in touch.

Megan Graves, deputy manager at Palmersdene, said: “We thought it would be a good idea to involve the customers in the community keeping that link.

“It gave them a chance to keep in touch with family, friends and other care homes.

“We have received postcards from all over the country.”

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