Kind-hearted gestures lift Leeds care home residents' spirits

Letter writers have helped lift the spirits of elderly residents at a Leeds care home under lockdown during the coronavirus crisis.

People have sent in cards and letters and children have done artwork for residents at Cookridge Court care home in north Leeds.

Residents enjoyed opening and reading letters and writing back to some people, which has created a pen pal scheme.

Care home residents Rose Jarman, said: “It’s so lovely that we can still receive these lovely letters and are able to reply to the children of the community.

"Hearing all about their day makes mine and I love writing back, it makes it so special.”

Vicki Foster, Deputy Home Manager at Cookridge Court Care Home said it has meant a lot to residents as visitors are currently not able to visit the home.

She added: “In these unprecedented times, ensuring residents feel engaged and connected within our local community is more important than ever.

"Our residents really enjoyed receiving pictures and letters from people in the community – it really lifted their spirits.

"We provide a wide range of physical, mental and stimulated activities at Cookridge Court as part of the life enrichment programme for residents.

"We have also adapted ways to keep residents active and connected whilst ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to social distancing advice”

A spokesperson for Cookridge Court care Home, said: "We are playing our part in the wider care sector and supporting the NHS where possible.

"We are currently still taking admissions into our care home for those that need care in the next four weeks, so please do give us a call on 0113 2672377 if you are looking for care or need any further help."