Joyful reunions for home residents
THERE were smiles and laughter as a 79-year-old care home resident was reunited with her great-granddaughter for the first time since the pandemic began.
Pat Tinner last saw 18-month-old Mya shortly before moving into the Sunrise of Bagshot care home in March 2020, just weeks before a national lockdown was imposed.
More than a year later, as the latest restrictions were eased yesterday, Mrs Tinner, who has Parkinson’s disease, met the toddler again at the Surrey-based home.
Mrs Tinner quickly bonded with Mya, who was just a baby when they last met.
Anna Chioariu, general manager at the Sunrise of Bagshot, said: “We have seen how isolation affects their wellbeing.”
Mrs Tinner said the latest lockdown had been a “bit traumatic”, but added she had been “looking forward” to seeing Mya. Mrs Tinner’s granddaughter and Mya’s mother, Kimberley Skelton, 29, said: “It’s lovely to see her again. It’s really nice.”
The number of designated visitors to care homes increased from two to five per resident. Residents are also able to leave the home for a greater variety of activities without needing to isolate for 14 days on their return.