As a little thank you, Cornwall Care, the county’s largest provider of care for older people, will be sending each member of staff luxury chocolates and a bottle of wine, along with a personal message from chief executive Douglas Webb.
Douglas Webb, Chief Executive of Cornwall Care, said: “It’s just a small way of showing how much we appreciate their commitment and dedication this Christmas – they really are unsung heroes.
“Seeing our staff and clients together celebrating at this special time of year is really something to be proud of. The homes are full of festive cheer. People who choose to work in the care industry know it’s not a 9-5, Monday to Friday job. We are as committed to providing care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – Christmas Day is no exception.”
Cornwall Care employees will be working both in the company’s 18 care homes and in the community. They choose to work on Christmas Day for many reasons – the unbeatable atmosphere, to make Christmas as special as possible for clients and to allow colleagues with families to spend the day at home with their children.
Dawne Pearson, deputy home manager at Headlands, St Ives, said: “I love Christmas at Headlands. The atmosphere is lovely and I want to make it special for the people who live in the home. Some of them don’t have any family, we are their family. We all dress up in Christmas fancy dress and Santa delivers presents. We all visit the home on Christmas Day even if we are not due to work, I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
Derek Slater, care assistant at St Breock, Wadebridge, said: “I am covering a double shift on Christmas Day. I don’t have any family locally, so I am working for someone who has young children. Christmas day at St Breock is magical - I worked last year and loved it. The clients are all so happy and we all sit and eat Christmas dinner together. We dress up in our finery and have lots of fun!”
Claire Baily, care assistant at St Hilary, Bude, said: “I have worked most Christmas Days since joining Cornwall Care. This year I am disappointed to be missing the Christmas lunch as I am working in the evening! The staff and clients all have lunch together, it is such a special time in the home. Everyone gets dressed up and our clients often get new clothes as presents which they choose to wear for the big day!”
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