WITH this being a Christmas like no other, staff at Rosepark Care Home are determined to make the day as special as they can.

And care assistant Sheila Kellas will be there on the day doing her best to bring some joy to residents after what has been a tough year.

Sheila, who has worked in care for 24 years, has no qualms about working the Christmas shift with the residents and staff she calls her ‘second family’.

She said: “Covid may have put a halt on traditions, but myself and my colleagues are determined to bring as much joy as we can to Rosepark over the festive period.

"It means the world to us that we can still be with them during such a special time and to also know their families trust us to make sure their day is as wonderful as we can make it.

“In normal circumstances the families of residents would visit the home to wish their loved one a merry Christmas.

"Due to visiting being restricted this year, it is even more important to us that we can make the day as meaningful as possible."

Staff at Renaissance Care’s Rosepark Care Home in Uddingston rotate every year to decide who works on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year.

Having worked at Rosepark since 1996, Sheila has worked her fair share of Christmas Days, giving up time with her own family to spend it with the elderly residents in her care.

In previous years Sheila has dressed up as an elf to bring that extra bit of Christmas cheer.

Although she is unsure if this will be possible this year due to the restrictions on Christmas decorations in care homes, she insists it will not put a dampener on anyone’s day.

Sheila and the team are determined to create some sense of normality for the elderly residents so, to cause as little distress as possible, the team have planned a fun filled day for everyone.

Part of the usual Christmas Day routine is a visit from one of the local priests or ministers, however as this cannot go ahead staff have arranged a livestream service from the local church for residents on Christmas morning.

Allowing them to watch a sermon and listen to some hymns, followed by the much-anticipated Christmas lunch, with their tipple of choice.

Sheila said: “This year has been hard work for us all, but being able to pull together and get to this point has made our amazing team even stronger and brought us closer to our residents.

"Christmas Day at Rosepark is like being at a home away from home surrounded by fantastic people, and I can’t wait to spend it with those who mean so much to me.”

After finishing her shift on Christmas Day, Sheila will go home to relax and prepare for her socially distanced visit to see her children and grandchildren on Boxing Day to exchange gifts.