Family visits allowed for Chelsea pensioners
It meant that he could finally see his daughter Christine after lockdown rules meant nominated visitors could see their loved ones at care homes, even if they had to don face coverings.
A delighted 85-year-old Thomas said: “I’ve been so looking forward to seeing my daughter Christine again. It’s felt like a long time since we’ve seen each other, and it’s really made my day. Her next visit can’t come soon enough.”
They were able to sit down and have a good natter to catch up with each other and see how they each other were.
And his thrilled daughter Christine was overjoyed to be able to visit again after so long.
“I’ve really missed our visits, as before I was coming once a week. On the plus side, I’ve only had to worry about missing my dad, and not about his care. He’s been very well looked after here”.
The change means that 50 of the Chelsea Pensioners who live in the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary were able to see one nominated family member face to face under the new restrictions.
To keep everyone safe visitors had to have a negative Covid test result, wear appropriate personal protection equipment and follow strict guidelines.
And though they may have been yearning to Thomas and Christine could not hug each other. However holding hands was allowed, as many have missed touch over the long months of lockdown.
Meanwhile other family and friends can visit care homes with outside meetings or behind screens or through windows under the current strict social distancing.
And as the lockdown gradually eases now that the covid vaccine has been offered to all elderly people in the country care home residents are looking forward to seeing their loved ones.
Kensington and Chelsea’s councillor in charge of adult social care Cem Kemahli welcomed the impact visitors will have on residents.
“It makes so much difference to their health, wellbeing and quality of life. For family to have that contact again is vital and really important to be playing a part in their loved one’s care.
“Every care home is different and will manage visitors in different ways to meet the needs of all involved. All care homes across the borough have been working really hard to follow government guidance and prepare for allowing named regular visitors.”