Care home’s perfect gift for Christmas

A Wearside care home is preparing to welcome back visitors for the first time since the introduction of coronavirus regulations in March.

When the first national lockdown hit in March, residents at Donwell House Care Home in Washington had no idea it would be so long until they could safely see their loved ones again but now that wait is over.

After eight months of not being able to welcome visitors, staff at the care home have worked tirelessly to ensure families can now visit their loved ones safely, with a number of protective measures in place.

To ensure the safety of the residents, visitors will have their temperature checked, be provided with PPE, and be behind protective Perspex screens.

Manager of Don well House Care Home, Victoria Leighton said: “Everyone’s really pleased they’ll be able to see some family members, especially coming up to Christmas.

"The residents are over the moon they’ll be able to reconnect with loved ones in person.

“We’ve had a load of organisation gone into this to make sure it’s all done safely and with care and that all the correct measures are taken. Families are delighted. They’ve been waiting for this for months.”

Don well House Care Home, in Donwell village offers residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care to residents.

During the pandemic, care home residents have been using tablets to keep in touch with loved ones and have received an outpouring of support from the community.