How staff at this Leeds care home skipped Christmas with their children to keep residents Covid-free

Jodie Boucher, manager at Carr Croft care home in Meanwood, said staff made the decision not to see their children on Christmas Day to avoid catching and transmitting Covid to residents.

Instead, they went into work on the big day to allow residents to see their own families.

Covid cases in UK care homes have increased since Christmas, and have doubled in the past fortnight alone.

Carr Croft has a strict testing system in place, and staff built a heated pagoda in the garden so residents could still see family safely, due to a lower risk of transmission outdoors.

Mrs Boucher said: “It’s the first year I haven’t seen my children on Christmas Day, which was upsetting for me and them, but I wouldn’t take the risk.

She said Carr Croft staff didn’t hesitate to make sacrifices for residents:

“We felt some residents may not see another Christmas whereas we would.”

Every resident at the home received a gift. Mrs Boucher said staff made Christmas feel as normal as possible for them.

She warned of the additional pressure care home staff are under, but said:

“We’ve just continued to battle on and give our residents the quality of life they’ve always had, so nothing changes for them.

“I love my job. My whole purpose has been to keep these residents safe and everybody here is so committed and loyal to their jobs.”

All residents at Carr Croft have now had their first dose of the Covid vaccine, which Mrs Boucher said they were “so excited” about.

The Leeds community responded to Carr Croft’s efforts with praise on social media.

Tracy Sebine said: “Well done Jodie and all the staff at Carr Croft, all the staff are fantastic.”

Denise Thompson said: “Absolutely amazing, thank you.

“Wonderful, caring people.”

Gillian Stephenson said: “Amazing, it must be so very hard for all your carers.”