EachStep Blackburn resident 100th Birthday!

Even in lockdown, the team at Community Integrated Care’s EachStep Blackburn Care Home were determined to celebrate in style the birthday of their first centenarian resident, Iolanda Cottrell.

Iolanda, who was born just outside of Liverpool on 5^th May 1920, moved to EachStep Blackburn in 2018 and since living in the home has had a huge impact on colleagues and residents alike. Iolanda has lived an incredible life, serving in the Second World War in the Mechanised Transport Corps and even being awarded the British Empire Medal.

On her special day, the dedicated team at EachStep Blackburn pulled out all the stops, decorating the home with balloons and banners, organising a mass sing-along, and of course supplying a birthday cake for everyone to enjoy! Not only that, colleagues organised a visit from Blackburn’s very own Mounted Police Force to congratulate Iolanda and make it a day to remember.

With current lockdown measures still in place, the team at EachStep Blackburn ensured family members were able to visit Iolanda in a safe manner. Colleagues set up an outdoor meeting space, meaning that Iolanda was able to spend time with her family, even if it was through a window!

Victor Phiri, Manager at EachStep Blackburn Care Home said, “It was lovely to be able to celebrate Iolanda’s 100^th Birthday, which was particularly exciting for the team as Iolanda is the first centenarian who has called EachStep Blackburn home! The team at EachStep are all working incredibly hard at this difficult time to ensure that residents are staying active and maintaining a level of normality, even in the current situation.”

Tracy Johnson, Operational Director at Community Integrated Care said, “It sounds as if Iolanda has had a wonderful birthday and it was amazing to have a visit from the Blackburn Mounted Police. I’d just like to say on behalf of everyone at Community Integrated Care, Happy 100^thBirthday Iolanda!”