A care home resident was over the moon to receive a window visit from his wife and daughter for the first time since lockdown.

Stan, a resident at Dene Holm care home in Northfleet, was overjoyed when his wife Val arrived at the home to talk to him on the phone as they sat either side of a picture window.

With lockdown easing, many have been able to introduce some normality into their lives, potentially seeing relatives at a distance, or for some, forming a support bubble with another household.

But for residents in care homes, their safety is still a priority and visiting remains restricted.

After 12 weeks of shielding, Stan's wife is now able to leave the house and couldn’t wait to see her husband.

Stan’s daughter Nikki also joined the meeting, delighted to see her dad, as she too has been unable to visit for the past 12 weeks.

After the visit, Stan said: “Being able to see my wife, Val, and my daughter, Nikki, made me so happy, I am really glad they are both well. I can’t wait to see the grandchildren now!”

Chris Hutchinson, general manager of Dene Holm, added: “Stan’s wife has been shielding under government advice, so whilst some of our residents have had window visits in the past few months, Stan has only been able to phone her. It was really special for him to see them, even if it was through the window.

“With the virus under control, we’re hoping to start facilitating garden visits for relatives, wearing PPE and staying at a safe distance, from the end of June, so that will be lovely to see some of the residents reunited with loved ones.”

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