THE daughter of a resident at a care home in Dalmuir has praised the staff who have continued to provide a high level of both emotional and physical care during the unprecedented pandemic.

Gail McCready’s mum Jean, who suffers from dementia, has been living at West Dunbartonshire Council's Frank Downie House for the past two years.

Despite the Covid-19 outbreak putting the country into lockdown and leaving families unable to visit their loved ones, the staff have been doing their best to keep everyone in touch and provide updates.

Gail told the Post: “As a social worker and key worker myself, I understand the stress, fear and anxiety for those who of us who continue to work during these unprecedented times, especially those who have no option but to work in close physical proximity to others, especially care staff.

“Yet the staff continue to do what they do their best every day and offer such a high level of physical and emotional care to residents like my mum.

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“During this time, I have been unable to visit but staff ensure my mum is able to stay in touch with Skype, photos and telephone calls.

“I know my mum won’t fully understand what is happening, but it is clear from my calls with her that she is being supported to understand the best she can and is being offered the consistent reassurance she needs daily, never mind just now.”

On Friday, Jean turned 76 and despite not being able to see her family, the staff made sure it was a day of celebration.

Gail added: “First thing on Friday morning, my mailbox pinged with pictures and a video of the care home marking my mum’s birthday.

“The care staff are just one of the many groups who continue to do what they need to to keep our most vulnerable members of society as safe as they can. A huge big thank you to the staff of Frank Downie House.”