The residents at Gloucester House couldn’t wait to see their families after 12 weeks in the government’s imposed lockdown. Last week residents and their loved ones were re-united amidst tears and smiles of happiness.
Following relaxation of rules on family visits to care homes across the country, Gloucester House nursing home provided a number of ways in which families could see their loved ones at the care home. The visits can take place on the patio or just inside the dining room which is accessible from the garden with visitors able to access both areas without the need to come through the home. Social distancing is observed at all times and while staff make sure the visits are as private as possible, they check that each visit is taking place from a distance and that all the guidelines are being adhered to.
Being reunited with their loved ones proved to be very emotional both for the residents and their relatives. A sense of gratitude was captured in comments they sent to Gloucester House following their visits.
John, a relative of one of the residents, said: “We are so grateful to you for what you have done in organising yesterday – it has taken much care and attention. And thank you also for the amount of time we were able to spend with my mother; it means a lot”.
Sally and Frank, relatives of another resident, commented: “I would like to say a huge thank you for making yesterday such a special time for Dad, Mum and I. It was wonderful to see her looking happy relaxed and so at home. We have missed her so much and it is such a relief to know that she is in such kind, caring hands. You thought of everything and we felt so welcome. Up until now Dad has been so worried about Mum but he was really pleased to see her looking so happy.”
Bethany Powley, Acting Home Manager, said: “It was amazing to welcome visitors back at Gloucester House and very emotional too, seeing some of our older relatives and friends and greeting new relatives for the first time. It was so nice to see our residents looking forward to their visit and getting prepared to see their relatives again after such a long time. It really was a special week and we look forward to the coming weeks as we continue to welcome relatives and friends into Gloucester House”.
For more information about Gloucester House please visit:
www.greensleeves.org.uk/care-homes/gloucester-house-nursing-home-sevenoaks/
