Emotional reunion for families in care homes
Visitors return after almost a year
There were emotional scenes as indoor visiting resumed in many Perth and Kinross care homes this week for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Multiple levels of protection have been put in place so that families are able to see their loved ones face-to-face once more.
It has been a difficult year, with contact limited to phone and video calls – or waving through a window – but now most residents will be able to have up to two visits per week.
Among the facilities to reopen on Monday was Crieff ’s Richmond House.
Caroline Comrie was delighted to be back at her mum Daphne’s side.
She praised staff for all they have been doing to keep families in touch during the pandemic.
Caroline said: “It is wonderful to be able to see mum again face-to-face.
“These visits really mean a lot to both mum and myself.
“Richmond House has done such a wonderful job of keeping us in touch with mum by using FaceTime, newsletters, email and phone calls as well as touchnote postcards and regular visits at the window.”
The home’s chief executive Alison Kindness said: “It’s good to have visitors back in the house.
“They’ve always kept in touch but it’s not the same as face-to-face contact.”
Balhousie Care Group, which runs 10 care homes across Perth and Kinross, opened its doors for in-home visiting yesterday.
Its homes are applying extra caution and limiting visits to one per week.
A spokesperson said: “Our relatives have been overwhelmingly supportive of our visitor guidelines as we have attempted to navigate the coronavirus pandemic in a way that works for our residents, staff and families.”
She continued: “We are of the firm belief that having one visit and one designated visitor a week is the safest, fairest and most manageable way of welcoming relatives back quickly.
“Balhousie’s guidance will, of course, change as transmission risks reduce.
“In the meantime we’re excited about this major step forward for our care home families.”