29 - Help for a dedicated care home worker - November 2020

A few weeks ago, one of our members told us about Maureen. It has taken a bit of time to learn all about her situation and we were asked not to publish every detail that her family has shared with us - but her moving story really made us want to support her.

Maureen worked at Newfield Nursing Home in Sheffield for over 25 years. Maureen is 84 years old and is described by her former employer as “a shining example to our younger generation, with a big heart too”. For the majority of her time at the care home Maureen was a carer, but as she got older she took on the role of hostess supporting the elderly residents.

Many of you may have heard of the care home because of the tragic covid-19 events. Many homes were hit hard and Newfield sadly got hit early during the pandemic. Since the first confirmed case in the home, Maureen has been shielding for her own health. Sadly the care home had to close permanently in mid October 2020 and Maureen is not entitled to any redundancy pay despite serving with such dedication and passion for so many years.

Maureen had relied on her regular income to make sure she was still able to see friends, go on day trips and generally lead the fit and active lifestyle that keeps her 84 years young. Covid has obviously made that impossible and not only is she now unable to get out and about, it has also been difficult for Maureen to stay in touch with family, friends and former colleagues.

500 together are pleased to be able to help support Maureen during these really challenging times and she tells us one of the things she is planning to use our donation for is to improve her communication and IT equipment at home so that she is able to have more contact with others remotely and continue to feel a part of the local community.

The pandemic has left so many previously socially active people isolated and circumstances have had a big impact on Maureen. We send her and her family our very best wishes.

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