Home staff are real stars (From Thurrock Gazette)

Home staff are real stars

11:48am Friday 25th April 2008

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I have read many reports recently in your paper regarding Bennet Lodge and other care homes in Thurrock, and most if not all are derogatory.

I would like to give a more balanced opinion.

Yes they are understaffed, but that is no fault of the wonderful people that work there and care for the elderly residents.

My mother has been a resident since June 2006. She went in for 2 weeks respite care and asked if she could stay for good, which the staff bent over backwards to accommodate, she loves it.

My sister and I have spent a considerable amount of time there, firstly before my father's death, as he was also a resident there, and again whilst my mother was quite ill.

Though the money for food is limited, the girls who do the cooking should be very proud of themselves.

The food is beautifully cooked, fresh, appetising, well balanced and as good as any home cooked meal, if not better and well presented, there is always a choice of dishes.

During meal times, nobody goes without.

If the residents are unable to feed themselves, the team ensure that every single person who needs it is fed (and never rushed).

The staff are kind and caring and as far as I can see, treat the residents with respect. They are rushed off their feet most of the time, but always have time for a few kind words of encouragement for each of the residents, even those that treat the girls with a great deal of disrespect.

On the whole they are always smiling and brighten the resident's day, and the resident's family members are always made extremely welcome.

The management and staff often put on differently themed parties, where the residents have a disco bought in, and have a sing song to the old songs and many managers and staff attend even if they are off duty.

To many of the residents who have no family, these girls and lads are like daughters and sons to them.

It is because the entire team, from management to domestics, do such an excellent job of looking after our parents, that we do not spend every minute of every day worrying, as we did before their admission.

Credit where credit is due, these people deserved to be commended and not constantly knocked by the media.

Jill Binks.

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