Couple reunited days after landmark date
LAST week they celebrated 55 years of marriage separated by a window to keep them safe. But now loving husband and wife Norman and Sandra Thomson have been reunited in person as coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to ease.
The sun was shining for the emotional visit as Norman, 76, was finally allowed to see Sandra, 74,who lives in Whitecraigs Care Home, for the first time in four months.
The couple sat outdoors in the garden for a face-to-face catch up.
Norman, who brought a bouquet of flowers for his wife, said: “It’s marvellous.
“I was really looking forward to the visit. Obviously I would love to be with her but this is the first step.
“It’s fantastic. I’m looking forward to next.”
Amanda Randou, activities coordinator at the Renaissance Carerun home, said: “Sandra really enjoyed getting to reconnect with Norman.
“Visits are going great here. “It’s lovely to see our residents reconnecting with their loved ones.
“It is challenging as it’s a different type of visit but it’s a step forward.”
Norman and Sandra weren’t the only couple to be reunited.
Resident Tommy, 84, saw wife of 55 years Isa.
Isa said: “I was really pleased to see Tommy after four months.
“It was good and he looked well and seemed happy.
“Even if it’s just one visit a week, it’s keeping us in contact and lets him know I’m here.”
Keeping loved ones connected has been a key focal point for care homes since the start of the pandemic, with Renaissance Care purchasing iPads for each of its 15 homes.
The visits are in line with a six-figure investment sum from care home veteran Robert Kilgour for new equipment aimed at easing safety concerns for the outdoor meetings.
As well as further increasing stocks of PPE across the group, Robert is kitting out each of its care homes with state-of-the-art temperahis
Robert said: “This is a substantial investment on our part, but it is absolutely essential in helping to ensure our residents and their relatives feel confident in safety during visits.”
Percy Mann, the 102-year-old who became a Tik Tok star earlier in the coronavirus lockdown, inset, also had a visit.
He was thrilled to see his daughter Doreen.
Doreen said: “I thought the visit was really good and it was great to see my dad.
“I think my dad really enjoyed it. “It’s not a long time and you can tell it’s a lot of work for the staff but it was good to see him I really appreciate it.”
Robert added: “In 30 years of working in the social care sector, I have never been more proud to be a part of such a great workforce who have fought so bravely.”