Reunions see loved ones finally hold hands at Kidderminster care home

Due to coronavirus restrictions, residents at Hollyfields and Ivy House care home have only been able to see relatives via video call or through a window or visitor pod, so this week marks the first time loved ones have been able to sit next to each other or have any sort of physical contact.

Staff at Hollyfields and Ivy House care home in Kidderminster welcomed relatives back into the home for the first time since lockdown on Monday

Guests are still required to wear PPE, but for couples like Jill Underwood and Hollyfields resident Peter, who have been married for over 60 years, being able to simply hold hands again is a momentous occasion.

Jill said: "Words can’t describe the relief and joy to actually be able to physically be with Peter. After over a year, it was absolutely wonderful."

Being able to bring visitors back into the home has been a heartfelt moment for staff too.

Activity co-ordinator Michael Butler said: "It has been a difficult year for residents and for staff, so it has been very emotional to see families being reunited and to be able to put those procedures in place to make it possible for our residents to sit and spend time with their loved ones.

"It means a lot for us. After all, we’re here to care for people. Our families have trusted us over the last year to deliver that care in their absence."

Jill Underwood cuts the ribbon outside Hollyfields Care Home in Kidderminster before being reunited with her husband Peter

As part of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, care homes in England can now allow two regular visitors for each resident, however close contact such as hugging is still not permitted.

Barchester Healthcare, which runs Hollyfields and Ivy House, is proceeding with a cautious approach, with the first visits resuming throughout the course of this week. Strict protocols are still in place, with all guests required to have a negative lateral flow test result before entering the home, and the visits taking place in residents' bedrooms.

Staff at Hollyfields and Ivy House have put up a balloon arch outside the home to welcome visitors back and are giving out goodie bags to relatives, filled with a pen and notepad to leave messages for their loved ones, a small bottle of champagne and a packet of tissues.

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Support manager Sharon Herbert said: “This is another step towards having the buzz of visitors in the home again.

"It is wonderful to see how happy it made the residents and their relatives.

"We have a great booking system in place to ensure the visits are well organised, and visitors are doing a great job of following the safety measures to keep everyone as safe as possible."