Care homes offer spare rooms to refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine

A care operator is offering rooms in three care homes to accommodate refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

British care home operator Healthcare Management Solutions is giving 150 rooms to the UK government for free, as its chief executive described being “devastated by the scenes we have witnessed in Eastern Europe”.

'Our hearts' go out to Ukrainians 'at this worrying time'

Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, led to the shelling of residential housing, hospitals, causing power cuts, food shortages and the deaths of women, children, elderly and disabled trying to flee the violence.

Tony Stein, chief executive of Healthcare Management Solutions, said: "Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people affected by the crisis in Ukraine at this worrying time.

“With the support of our client and shareholder, we have offered the UK Government 150 rooms in empty care home properties for the temporary accommodation of Ukrainian refugees.”

After taking over the management of Silverlake Care last year, the provider has three care homes in Sussex, which are currently closed.

While it is “looking to reopen these services, in the short term” Mr Stein said “we believe they would provide safe and comfortable temporary housing for around 300 people with kitchen and laundry facilities”.

Care chief writes to Priti Patel

The care chief has told Home Secretary Priti Patel he will support UK efforts to help Ukrainians seeking refuge. In a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Tony Stein wrote: 'In common with the Western world, at Healthcare Management Solutions, we have been devastated by the scenes we have witnessed in Eastern Europe.

'We, like many others, felt we had to do something to help Ukraine and are in the unique position of having accommodation available in support of HMG’s commitment to those seeking refuge.'

Over the last 15 years, the care operator has being involved in what it describes as transforming underperforming care homes and has run over 500 care homes.

On 8 March, the care home operator brought teams from across the UK together virtually in “a show of solidarity for those impacted at this difficult time”.

Staff were encouraged to wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag and join a video call to reflect on the situation in Ukraine and exchange ideas for fundraising.

Mr Stein said: “As always, the communities in and around the care homes we manage are keen to help in any way they can.”

Care homes have been assisting with collections for established aid organisations and fundraising for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Care home residents and staff at Wren House in Warminster run by Wren Retirement Living have been making and selling flower arrangements in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

They also have a bake sale planned to raise funds for the Red Cross' DEC appeal.

At Wren Retirement Living, staff at Featherton House in Banbury have been collecting toiletries, non-perishable foods and other essentials.

Staff, residents and relatives at Upper Mead care home run by Silverlake Care and Broomfield Court care home in Glasgow run by Larchwood Care accepted donations to pass onto to aid organisations.

'Give them gainful employment'

Around two million people have fled their homes in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. However, as of 8 March, only 300 visa applications had been granted by the UK’s Home Office and more than 17,000 applications to enter the UK are still pending.

While criticism of the Home Office’s slow response to the refugee crisis mounts, Mr Stein believes the care sector’s workforce shortage of over 110,000 vacancies at anyone time (according to Skills for Care), could be alleviated by giving refugees jobs in the care sector.

"Ukrainians coming in, potentially we could give them employment and they can fund their own accommodation and give them some gainful employment, give them some independence, give them some self-respect and dignity”, Mr Stein added.

You can donate to the British Red Cross’ website, which is one of 15 charities which make up the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

To date (9 March) Red Cross teams in Ukraine have distributed over 30,000 food, warm clothes, hygiene parcels and other aid to 8,000 people sheltering in the country's metro stations. First aid training has also been given to over 2,000 people taking cover in metro stations and bomb shelters.

To donate visit: www.donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal

click here for more details or to contact Wren Retirement Living