Leading care group calls for help in saving the spirit of Christmas for residents and staff in care homes

*picture taken from 2019 Christmas at Rosepark care home, Uddingston

As care homes across Scotland are being told not put up Christmas decorations or play music this year due to infection control, Renaissance Care is leading a campaign calling for individuals and businesses to help bring cheer back to residents and staff across the country.

The restrictive measures in place throughout the festive period will detract from what is usually a fun and exciting time within care homes, with guidance currently pointing towards no trees, decorations, Christmas music or party games.

Renaissance Care is calling for relatives, individuals, and businesses to reach out to their local care home and find out how they can help.

As offices are currently closed, and staff working from home, businesses may find they have outdoor Christmas lights which aren’t in use this year, and could be loaned to a local care home to help light up the festive period.

Donations can be anything from outdoor lights and decorations to a well wish via video message – a little goes a long way in the current climate and helps bring the community a little closer in a time that can be lonely for so many.

Anything donated to the homes will be sanitised and quarantined for 72 hours in line with infection control processes.

Renaissance Care, which has fifteen homes across Scotland, is investing in outdoor facilities to help make more comfortable visiting experiences for families who are able to visit loved ones where guidance allows.
Activities coordinators and staff across all care homes will be getting creative with their Christmas plans this year and are looking at ways of creating special moments for residents, whilst adhering to the local guidance that is currently in place. Events such as the Santa Dash, Christmas jumper day and external light displays are just some of the suggested ideas.

Louise Barnett, managing director at Renaissance Care, said: “It has been an extremely long and challenging year for residents, staff and relatives in care homes throughout the country, and as many look to the spirit of Christmas to bring some joy back to 2020, restrictive measures within care homes will detract from what is usually a fun and enjoyable time for our people.

“We’re hoping, that with the support from the communities, we can create festive light displays outside all care homes so that despite the lack of decoration inside, residents can look out and enjoy Christmas displays within the gardens and grounds surrounding their  home.

We’re still keen to make this year as joyful and fun as possible for all our people.

“We would encourage those who can help or have an idea to help restore some Christmas cheer, to get in touch with your local care home to find out how you can work with them.”