A CARE manager wants to say a big thank you to everyone who looked after 49 staff and residents evacuated in the flood.

Residents were ferried to safety in dinghies after Storm Christoph left the independent independent retirement living development in London Road with no power, hot water or heating.

Most of the elderly people were taken to a hotel though some were looked after by relatives.

Michelle Lawson, registered care manager at Home Instead Northwich and Knutsford, received a phone call from social services informing her that two of Home Instead’s clients who are residents at Weaver Court were being evacuated and driven in minibuses to Best Western Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham.

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Amanda Bell, senior caregiver and Jill Walton,field care supervisor

Amanda Bell, senior caregiver and Jill Walton,field care supervisor

Amanda Bell, senior caregiver and Jill Walton,field care supervisor

The home care company sent staff to greet them at the hotel.

After helping all residents into their bedrooms, Cheshire Foodbank delivered individual food packages, followed by a much-needed hot meal provided by the hotel.

Michelle said: “On Thursday I received the news you don’t ever want to get – a call from social services saying that a client is in danger.

Amanda Bell, senior caregiver, and Michelle Lawson, registered care manager registered care manager at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel

Amanda Bell, senior caregiver, and Michelle Lawson, registered care manager registered care manager at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel

Amanda Bell, senior caregiver, and Michelle Lawson, registered care manager registered care manager at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel

"Two of the lovely people we provide care for in their own homes live at Weaver Court were being evacuated along with other residents. Myself and seven of the team immediately drove to Forest Hills Hotel for their arrival where we helped take them to safety and assist with medical needs.

Gil Martin, caregiver at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham

Gil Martin, caregiver at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham

Gil Martin, caregiver at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham

“The residents were evacuated to a hotel in Frodsham where we have a neighbouring office. We called them to see what support they could give and they dropped everything to be on hand to help with paperwork, care calls, supporting the residents, and even a trip to the supermarket to buy much needed food and supplies.

"We can’t thank them enough for their help.”

Philip Green, social care at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This was a challenging situation where we had to move quickly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people in our care.

The team at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham

The team at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham

The team at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham

"This was a real team effort and we would like to thank everyone at Home Instead for being part of that team. The staff members were responsive to the needs of the residents and they showed a really flexible approach that addressed the needs of individual residents and ensure they had support during this difficult time.”

Michelle added: “We have been amazed by the hard work and dedication of everyone. The emergency services, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Food Bank, the team at Forest Hills Hotel and local residents have all worked tirelessly to support members of their community during a difficult time.”