AFTER MONTHS of social distancing, residents in this local care home have finally been able to hold hands and talk face to face this week.

Edna Staines, a resident at Lord Harris Court care home in Wokingham was visited by her daughter Helen, following the latest changes to lockdown restrictions.

Edna said: “It means so much to me to see my daughter in person once again and have her sit next to me.

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"Thankfully, we’ve been able to see each other in the Home’s visitor pod during the pandemic, which has been great, but it means the world to me to be able to hold her hand again.”

As of Monday, March 8, care home residents are allowed one regular indoor visitor - this also means that the visitor and resident can hold hands, provided that both have tested negative for Coronavirus prior to meeting, and adequate PPE is worn.

Edna’s daughter, Helen, said: “I have missed mum so much. it’s been an emotional experience being next to her in the same room and to hold her hand today.

"Staff at the Home have done a wonderful job in supporting mum to stay happy and healthy but it is such a special feeling to be with her again today finally.”

Edna Staines and her daughter, Helen

Edna Staines and her daughter, Helen

Visitors have been able to come to the care home since last summer, after the care home built a visitor pod, where a clear plastic wall separated the two people inside - person to person contact however has been made available this week for the first time in more than a year.

Home Manager, Abigail Cranston, said: “We have been waiting for this moment for a long time and are overjoyed to be able to reunite our residents safely with their loved ones in person.

"Today was a heartfelt moment and brought tears of joy and happiness to every one present.

"We are privileged to be involved in sharing this moment with residents, their families and loved ones.

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"Throughout the pandemic, our staff have gone above and beyond to support our residents to stay connected with their loved ones, which is vital for their wellbeing.

"We are so pleased to be moving in the right direction and are looking forward to opening our Home up to more visitors and larger gatherings when it is safe to do so.”

For more information on the care home, visit http://www.rmbi.org.uk/.