A Cardiff care home have become ‘pen pals’ with another home in Wiltshire in an effort to stay connected during the coronavirus outbreak.
People living at Tŷ Llandaff, a private nursing, residential and respite care home in Pontcanna, have taken up old-fashioned writing workshops to help build friendships whilst the home is unable to host visits from friends and family.
The home took the necessary steps to safeguard its residents by closing it to non-essential visitors before stricter social distancing measures were introduced by the Government.
Residents are enjoying writing letters to new companions at Laurieston House in Chippenham. Tŷ Llandaff care home manager Lisa Cristina said the pen pal club was helping residents communicate at a time when all-but-essential visits have been blocked in order to curb the virus outbreak.
Lisa said: “During this difficult time we are trying to make sure the residents keep in touch with friends and family and make new friends. We have started a pen pal group with a home in Swindon. Some of our residents had not received a letter through the post in years and it has triggered lots of memories and conversation.
“We’re keeping everything as normal as possible at Tŷ Llandaff. We celebrated Mother’s Day and have had birthday parties, sing-a-longs and quiz afternoons so I’d like to say a big thank you to the all the staff for the smiles and laughter they have brought to the home.”
Lisa and Laurieston House plan to continue the project and hope to bring the pen pals together, when it is safe to do so at a later date.
For more information about Tŷ Llandaff call 02920 600 100, email info@ tyllandaffcare.com or visit www.tyllandaffcare.com
