Staff move into Sheffield care home to provide 24/7 help

Staff at a care home in Sheffield have moved into the facility on a full-time basis to provide vulnerable patients with round-the-clock help during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Nine staff members at Bridgedale House, in Fulwood, have left their loved ones behind – including children and vulnerable family members in some cases – to reduce the risk of them infecting residents.

They will be doing 12-hour shifts seven days a week for the foreseeable future and sleeping in spare rooms as well as a training room.

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Sarah-Jane Clark, 23, a care assistant, is among those who volunteered to move in.

Bridgedale House in Fulwood.Bridgedale House in Fulwood.
Bridgedale House in Fulwood.

She told The Guardian: “We do the job because we care. But usually we get to go home every day to our families and our loved ones. I think that’s going to be the hardest part for us all.”

Sarah has left behind her fiance and her parents, with whom she usually lives. She and the other staff members plan to make regular video calls to their families and are also using technology to help relatives of residents keep in contact.

Although no visitors are allowed, family members can leave letters and gifts outside the main door.

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“Obviously it’s hard for [the residents] as well, they’re going a long time without seeing their family,” Sarah said.

“We are trying not to speak too much about it with residents because it’s upsetting and we don’t want to worry them too much. And obviously it’s worrying for us because we’re also thinking about our families at home and we don’t want them to get ill.”

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