Spirits raised by care home visit
A YEAR WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL CONTACT ENDS
THIS is the heartwarming moment a daughter was able to hold her 93-year-old mum’s hand for the first time in a year.
Cramlington care home resident Pat Jamieson was reunited with daughter Heather after visitors were allowed inside for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pair met inside Scarborough Court after the rules were changed to allow residents to be visited by one family member or loved one.
“Although I have been able to see my family in the home’s visitors’ pod, the most important thing that was missing was the physical contact,” said Pat. “To be able to do this today is marvellous and gives us all hope that the end of this horrible virus is dawning near.
“The staff have been excellent in keeping us updated on the progress and keeping us all safe.”
Visitors must pass a lateral flow test before entering and meeting their loved ones.
Liked many care homes, Scarborough Court closed the doors to all but essential visitors before the start of the pandemic to try and shield vulnerable residents.
However, as the national marks a year since the first lockdown, the rapid roll-out of the vaccine has enabled rules to be eased.
For Pat’s daughter, it resulted in a moment to treasure for ever.
“We have been very fortunate to have the privilege of using the visitors’ pod, and the use of video calling to see my mum every day,” said Heather.
“However this is a huge step forward and just being able to hold her hand after a year touches my heart.
“The team at Scarbrough Court have done an outstanding job in keeping our family safe and well during this hard
time.” Home manager Sam Buxton said: “We have been waiting for this moment for a long time and are overjoyed to be able to reunite our residents safely with their loved ones in person.”
“We are so pleased to be moving in the right direction and are looking forward to opening our home up to more visitors and larger gatherings when it is safe to do so.”