Buxton care home manager says they’ve been ‘dumped’ by supermarkets

Ann Andrew, who has run The Argyle for 23 years, says restrictions put in place restricting shoppers to just three of any item since the coronavirus outbreak have left them unable to buy essential staples such as tinned fruit and vegetables and frozen goods.

The home has 27 residents with the majority aged between 80 and 90 - four of whom are currently suffering with Covid-19.

Though three of those testing positive for the virus are in their 90s Ann said they were ‘doing fine’ although they were ‘very tired and not wanting to get up and dressed’.

Speaking about food shortages Ann told how staff spent £500 a week on over 400 items however since panic buying forced supermarkets to take emergency measures they had been cut down to 80 items.

Ann, who is appealing for a supplier to come forward which can prioritise their residents, described the situation as ‘rubbish’.

She said: “We have coronavirus here so I shouldn’t be going into shops - we need £500-worth of food so I’d be lynched if I tried to get that in a supermarket.

“A lot of small, family-run care homes can’t get what they need and have been dumped by the supermarkets.

“Older people isolating at home can probably get a couple of items but you’re restricted to three.”

Frustrated manager Ann told how the restrictions placed on the website when ordering groceries made no allowances for care homes.

She said: “There’s no option for 27 people on the website when you’re ordering groceries - Tesco have never once said ‘if you do this we can help you’.

“It’s just ‘computer says no’ - and that’s just rubbish.”

The Argyle are now looking for a replacement supplier to take over from the big supermarkets.

Since sharing an appeal Ann has been inundated with food donations from local residents and bakeries.

However she added: “It’s wonderful but for me I just need an easy option - to know I can make an order and it will arrive.

“It’s hard enough looking after the residents - we need a shop that will put aside things they know we will need and to guarantee they won’t sell it to Joe Public first.”

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