A HUSBAND and wife from Solihull have held hands for the first time in a year as restrictions on care home were eased this week.
Royal Star and Garter care home resident Patricia was visited by her husband Gerald on Monday (March 8) when doors were opened to one designated visitor for each resident since the start of the pandemic.
Gerald, like all guests, wore personal protective equipment and take a lateral flow test before entering the homes, and the rooms are thoroughly cleaned following each hour-long visit.
Gerald said: “I was so happy to come into the home after so long apart.
“Being able to hold Pat’s hand means we are close together once more.
“Knowing she is well cared for makes me feel relaxed at home.”
Visits have been taking place between residents and loved ones since last June, when the charity was able to offer socially-distanced outdoor visits.
Through the winter month the Monkspath Hall Road care home received funding to build a Covid-secure room which permit two visitors at a time – this will run alongside the new indoor visits.
The Royal Star and Garter is a charity which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.
Pauline Shaw, director of care at Royal Star and Garter, said: “Our staff have provided amazing, loving care during the Covid-19 crisis.
“It’s truly been care with courage.
“But nothing can replace a visit from a loved one.
“Being able to now hold hands will mean the world to people we care for. It’s been a long wait for everyone involved and our residents have shown such resilience and strength.”
