Emotional time as visits to care homes resume

Daughter tells of being able to visit mother for the first time since February

A mother and daughter had an emotional reunion at a Fife care home after a five-month separation.

The coronavirus lockdown meant Jacqui Rogers could not visit mum Betty at Glenburnie Care Home in Leven.

However, the easing of restrictions meant she was finally able to see the 85-year-old for the first time since February.

Despite not being allowed to give her mum a hug while social distancing rules remain in force, a tearful Jacqui said: “It was really good to see her.

“I hadn’t seen her since February and it’s good to see she’s healthy and they’re looking after her and she’s OK in herself.”

She said it had been a confusing time for her mother.

“She kept asking about why she couldn’t go out, what was going on, how long had it been and when was it all going to end, and then at the end she got a bit stressed because she couldn’t give me a hug.

“It’s really stressful. It’s your mum and you just want to give her a hug.”

Glenburnie manager Mahri Edgar said knowing that visiting was starting to be reintroduced had been an enormous boost for residents.

“All visits have to be pre-arranged and booked in,” she said.

“I know it’s going to be very emotional.”

Restrictions on visits began to be lifted on a phased basis on Friday, with only garden visiting permitted at care homes which have been Covid-free for at least 28 days.

Over the past months care home staff have helped residents keep in touch with loved ones via phone and face time calls.

SNP councillor Rosemary Liewald, chairwoman of Fife’s Integration Joint Board, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all Fife’s care home staff. They have been amazing throughout this period.

“It hasn’t been an easy time for residents and their families, not being allowed to visit in person.

“Care home staff have really stepped up to the challenge to ensure other measures were put in place to keep families connected.”

It’s really stressful. It’s your mum and you just want to give her a hug. JACQUI ROGERS

Picture: Kenny Smith.