Children’s pictures and poems make all the difference to Hastings care home residents

And the home is urging young artists to keep them coming.

Evergreen Nursing Home, based at Collier Road, on West Hill, launched to appeal before Easter and say they have been delighted with the response.

Natasha Edwards from Evergreen, said: “Through the Observer, we asked children of any age to paint or draw Easter pictures or write letters or poems, to the residents at Evergreen and post them to us to cheer up the residents who are unable to receive visits from their loved ones, due to the Covid-19.

“We are very grateful for the support. The residents loved receiving letters and pictures in the post, which put smiles on there faces.

“We would still very much like people to keep sending things in to the residents as it really does help to make a difference.

“Evergreen is registered for 16 residents aged over 65 years. Current residents’ ages are between 79 - 100 years. We went into lockdown on March 16, one week before the government. This may have helped in reducing the spread of Covid-19.

“Staff have been amazing and working very hard to ensure all our residents are safe and remain given high quality care.

“All residents’ relatives and friends can communicate by telephone and video calls.

“Morale is good with staff and residents. Of course this is a difficult time, not receiving visitors or being able to go out, but staff go above and beyond to ensure they are well supported.

“For staff, this is always a very challenging Job mentally and physically, now more so in this global crisis. I am very proud of my staff team.

“We are coping well at present and are all wearing PPE, including masks and constant infection control measures are place.”

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