RESIDENTS at a care home have been sharing their messages of hope to their families and giving tips on how to outlast the coronavirus crisis.

With care homes closed to non-essential visitors, residents at Bakewells Care Home, in Junction Road, Deane, have found new ways to let their families know they are safe and well.

Some have even provided tips on how to get through the coronavirus outbreak, with resident Winnie citing experience of getting through crises before.

Winnie, who is 108, sent a message to her family and friends saying: “Surviving a major crisis? Been there, done that... twice!”

Cllr Andy Morgan, who runs the care home, said everyone was keeping in high spirits during this difficult period.

He said: “Everybody is really upbeat. Everybody is buckling down and is really up for it. The staff have been amazing too.

“They’re keeping in contact with their families, with some of them even standing outside talking to their mothers on Mother's Day. There’s a real sense of community again.”

Cllr Morgan added: “It’s still a chirpy place to come into.”

Residents from the care home told The Bolton News how they are keeping upbeat.

Barbara Hughes, 78, said: “We are able to go into the garden with friends, feeding the birds, enjoying the sunshine.

“We can send photos and messages in an instant with help from the staff. My daughter has stood opposite the window to have a chat, which was nice.

Margaret Jordon, 96, said: “I feel like I’m still part of everything and don’t feel quite so isolated all the time.”

Gillian Seal, 84, said: “As the hairdressers are unable to come to the home, some of the staff are using skills from previous employment as a hairdresser to help out.

“On Facetime I am able to talk to three generations from my family.

"When it was my birthday I was still able to share my special day with family because of this.”