The domestic staff at Doveleigh Care's three residential homes have always had a busy job, but during the Covid pandemic their work has been particularly crucial.

Their usual routine cleaning duties took on a new importance as the front line in the fight against infection – and they have triumphed, keeping all three of the homes in Sidmouth, Seaton and Colyton completely free from coronavirus.

Sidmouth Nub News talked to six of the domestic staff about what have been the most challenging aspects of the last 12 months and what have been the most rewarding.

Avery Taylor: "Most challenging would be the level of precaution doing washing and cleaning isolated rooms, making sure all PPE is worn correctly and disposed of correctly, making sure the rooms are thoroughly disinfected and aired and also making sure washing is done separately from the main loads so there is no cross-contamination.

"Most rewarding would be taking the time with residents to help them be more independent and have more control over where things go in their rooms. One great example is: we have a lady who requires a wheelchair so she is more mobile and can see what she has in her drawers and cupboards and I support her to clean this as well. It's a nice chance to talk and bond whilst tidying her room."

Chris Clarke: "It has been a challenge to add in all the extra cleaning, but I know how important it is and to keep our residents and staff safe. I kept checking the time to ensure I followed our policy. I really like my job, I enjoy cleaning but I really enjoy helping the residents and getting to know them."

Viorel Mischui: "I think that one of the most challenging parts of our job is trying different ways to cheer up our residents. As all of us feel down from time to time, they do too and I am every time making sure that I can make them feel happy by doing little things for them in order to increase their satisfaction.

"This is challenging for me, but in a positive way, because it is really nice to see that you succeeded in making a person happy. The most rewarding part of our job, in my opinion, is the feeling that residents give when they show their appreciation. I find it rewarding when residents notice our work and give us great feedback and also the happiness and the gratitude on their face without a doubt makes me feel successful."

Jane Cooper and Pepa Valcheva: "The most challenging thing we think has been the thought of keeping the infection down and the responsibility we have felt in doing that has been a challenge. For us, the positives outweigh the negatives because our incentives are that I do it for the residents and we also know we do a good job - what more could you ask?"

Kevin Corby: "The most challenging part of our jobs over the last year has making sure the home is Covid-free and the most rewarding has been staying Covid free and keeping residents safe in these challenging times."

Samantha Evens, Senior Manager of Doveleigh Care, which runs Arcot House in Sidmouth and Dove Court in Seaton, said: "We are extremely proud of our staff and all their hard work.

"Remaining Covid-free to date has been a truly team effort and makes me value each and every one of our staff even more for making it that way."