NURSING home staff who helped find a new home for an elderly flood victim have been nominated for the York & District Medal.

Reader Linda Pearson said her 92-year-old mother, Hannah Whitehead, became a victim of flooding at her home in Navigation Road, off Walmgate, on December 27.

"Previous to this catastrophe, my mum had clearly stated that she had always wanted to remain in her own home, and not to be put into a care home," she said.

"However, unfortunately, the floods acted as a catalyst and resulted in the decision of going into a care home being taken somewhat out of her hands."

She said that after social services were alerted by her mother's domestic carer, who could not access her home because of the flood waters, her mother was placed into temporary care at Fulford Nursing Home.

"Instead of this being a nightmare situation for myself and the rest of the family, the transition flowed smoothly due to the efficiency of the amazing emergency services."

She said the home's care manager, Donna Crockford, constructed a profile of her mother's specific care requirements, incorporating her personal likes and dislikes, allowing her to feel empowered and respected by the staff.

"All the staff at Fulford Nursing Home have certainly changed my mum's view on staying in care," she said. "She has found all the staff, from the nursing staff to the catering team, extremely wonderful. In her words, 'everyone is so kind and helpful.' She has been given a new lease of life.

"The social interaction received from the carers, nursing staff, other residents and social activities coordinators has had a profound impact on my mum's general and mental wellbeing. I an my siblings are eternally grateful to the nursing home staff."

The medal, which aims to recognise the people or organisations who came to the rescue of homes and businesses which were inundated in the period after Christmas, has been created by The Press in partnership with City of York Council, with support from York-based mutual healthcare provider, Benenden.

  • To nominate your flood heroes email newsdesk@thepress.co.uk with your name, address and contact details, plus the name and contact details (if available) of the person you are nominating, and explain the reasons for the nomination. Alternatively, send your completed nominations to York & District Medal, Newsdesk, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN.