Leeds care home residents share heartfelt messages on social media during UK lockdown

Elderly residents at Cookridge Court, in Cookridge, have posted photographs of themselves holding up messages of support for their families.

Resident Jean Harrison posted a picture of her sign, which read: "Good morning Julie and family. Just letting you know that I am safe and sound.

"Are you happy? Are the boys okay? I miss you tonnes and tonnes. Hope to see you soon, love Jean."

Kathleen Smith wrote: "Hello everybody, just letting you know I'm okay.

"I hope you're all staying safe. I can't wait for your next possible visit.

"Just wanted to make sure you're okay. Love, Kath."

Jean Corcoran simply wrote: "Stay strong, keep smiling."

The care home is currently unable to accept visitors due to outbreak of Covid-19.

However, Activities Coordinator Laura Marshall encouraged and helped residents to create and write their messages to friends and family to read.

This has involved helping residents use iPads, Skype Facebook and Facetime.

Laura said: “This has been heart-warming for the residents, bringing smiles and a sense of comfort to them, knowing their families are safe and well.

"We wanted to make it even more special for the resident’s families and have been emailing photographs with personal messages from each resident to their loved ones.

"Keeping spirits high is even more important than usual at the moment and our residents’ thoroughly enjoy working with the activities team to come up with their messages”.

General Manager, Karen Francis at Cookridge Court, said: “Loneliness can be a big problem for elderly people and communicating with others is key to maintaining happy residents in a happy home.

"Our doors are usually always open to visitors but at this time we are in lockdown like everyone else and so communication & keeping in touch is paramount.”