In pictures: Community spirit abounds as Larne 'Claps for Carers'

Staff at a Larne nursing home have praised the town's 'community spirit' as local residents continue to show their support for frontline care workers.
A staff member at Broadways Private Nursing Home.  Photos by Bill GuillerA staff member at Broadways Private Nursing Home.  Photos by Bill Guiller
A staff member at Broadways Private Nursing Home. Photos by Bill Guiller

With relatives unable to visit their loved ones due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, family and friends of residents at Broadways Private Nursing Home have been taking part in the weekly 'Clap for Carers'.

Every Thursday evening, with residents and staff looking on, groups have gathered to applaud at a safe distance in the street next to the town centre home.

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Jacqueline Davey, manager at Broadways, said: "The response has been amazing right from the word go; there's real community spirit out there. The fact that people have been making the effort to come out of their houses and clap has been a real morale booster.

Local residents 'Clap for Carers' next to Broadways Private Nursing Home, Larne.  Photos by Bill GuillerLocal residents 'Clap for Carers' next to Broadways Private Nursing Home, Larne.  Photos by Bill Guiller
Local residents 'Clap for Carers' next to Broadways Private Nursing Home, Larne. Photos by Bill Guiller

"I couldn't ask for better staff; they treat everyone who lives here like family and they're going above and beyond - staying longer than their shifts, cutting hair for residents and things like that."

Residents themselves have adjusted well to the "new normal", Jacqueline added: "They're very resilient; it would amaze you. Relatives have been really good about [the restrictions]. Everybody is just continuing to do what they need to do."

Meanwhile, the home has been making use of all available technology to allow its 25 residents to stay in contact with family. "We have all sorts of social media going on to allow them to keep in touch, like WhatsApp and video calls," said Broadways staff member, Barbara Sloan.