Lockdown blues of 92-year-old Vera lifted by call from Daniel O’Donnell

Vera Purdy, who receives home care from Home Instead Senior Care Banbridge, confided in her caregiver about feeling isolated during the nationwide lockdown, which has prevented her from seeing friends and family.

Vera’s caregiver knew that she enjoyed listening to Daniel O’Donnell, so set about with the rest of the Home Instead team to try and get in touch with him.

They contacted his management team and told them all about how Vera was Daniel’s biggest fan, having gone to see him at many of his concerts over the years.

Daniel recorded a 15-minute personalised video message for Vera and sent it over to the Home Instead care team.

He remembered meeting Vera many years ago, and even remembered her late husband and mother’s names.

He also recalled Vera and her family coming to watch him at his concerts and entertaining the family at her mother’s 100th birthday party.

Vera was delighted with the video message. Her caregiver recorded her reaction as she watched the video, and her face lit up.

She has watched the video over and over, and has happily returned back to her normal, positive self.

Vera said: “It has given me such a boost.”

But more was to follow. As pleased as Vera was with the video message, she was even more delighted when she received a call from Daniel himself on the following Sunday evening.

He called for a chat with Vera to reminisce about the past and expressed how pleased he was hear from Home Instead.

He said he was impressed how Home Instead had gone above and beyond to ensure her happiness.

Roisin McLeod, care manager at Home Instead Banbridge, said: “It was great to see Vera so happy and joyful.

“Although we are regular visitors of our clients, lockdown has still been tough for many.

“Gestures of kindness such as the video message from Daniel are massively appreciated and help remind our older generation that they aren’t alone during these uncertain times.”