Workers at Ingleby Care Home, which is part of the Hill Care group, were determined to ensure residents could exercise their democratic rights despite their mobility issues.
“It was great to be able to take residents to the polling station and they were really happy”
Cassie McCloskey
Those keen to vote in the European election on 23 May were taken to their nearest polling station in their wheelchairs by their carers.
Sheila Coburn, one of the residents to benefit from the service, said she “couldn’t thank staff enough” for taking her.
“I’ve always voted and didn’t know what would happen after to moving to the care home, with my family working. I really appreciated the staff taking me,” she said.
Another resident Charlotte Stephenson added: “It’s nice we can still get to vote.”
Unit manager Cassie McCloskey said staff felt it was important residents were able to vote in the election, which saw many voters use their ballot to express their views on Brexit.
“It was great to be able to take residents to the polling station and they were really happy to be able to vote,” she said.
“Moving into a care home, either due to lack of mobility or other issues, should not mean the end of their right to vote,” said Ms McCloskey.
She added: “Many residents still want to take part in elections and we are only too happy to support them to do so.”
Ingleby care home
Ingleby Care Home residents (sat, from left) Sheila Coburn and Shirley Naylor with unit manager Cassie McCloskey at the polling station.
https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/older-people/care-home-staff-wheeled-residents-to-polling-stations-for-eu-vote/7029113.article