'I can't put it into words' - Relatives reunited in Tameside care homes

This is the wonderful moment that Gloria Keelagher was able to touch her mum for the first time in a year.

Since the first Covid lockdown last March, Gloria - from Fairfield - has been visiting her mum Edith Woolhouse at Fir Trees Care Centre in Dukinfield every week.

But because of national restrictions, she has only been able to wave through a window.

However, this week, she was finally able to sit in the same room as her 95-year-old mum and hold her hand.

Gloria is among thousands of relatives nationally who are now able to visit their loved ones in care homes under slightly eased government rules, which now allow care home residents to receive one regular visitor.

Care homes across Tameside are working hard, with the support of Tameside Council, to ensure families can visit their loved ones under the terms of these new rules, while also doing everything they can to keep residents, staff and visitors safe.

Gloria said of the moment she was finally able to touch and talk to her mum: “It was so lovely, I can’t put it into words really without getting emotional.”

She said how she had looked after her mum, who has vascular dementia, at Edith’s own home until June 2019, when Gloria had to have a second knee replacement and so unfortunately was out of action herself for a period.

At the same time, Edith’s own health and mobility was deteriorating so she moved into the care home, where her family regularly visited her until covid restrictions were imposed last March.

Gloria continued to visit her mum every week but was only able to stand at the other side of a glass window.

She said: “It was so hard. Mum couldn’t understand what was happening and why I couldn’t go in to see her. I tried to talk to her through the window but she couldn’t hear me – the carers tried to relay what I was saying but mum didn’t really understand.

“It was upsetting but we just had to get on with it, there are always people worse off. And a least we knew she was being kept safe and was well looked after – the staff there are lovely.

“But it was such a relief and comfort this week to actually be able to see her, talk to her and hold her hand. She still doesn’t really understand what is happening and why I can’t go to her room but she was smiling. We all feel better as a family now.”

Tameside Council Executive Member Cllr Eleanor Wills, who is responsible for health and social care, said: “It is so heartwarming to hear of Gloria and Edith and all the other people with loved ones in care homes reunited at last.

"I know the situation is still far from ideal but it is great to see these first steps towards normal visiting. I want to thank all the care home staff and our own health and social care support teams for working so hard throughout this pandemic and doing everything they can do to help keep care home residents safe.”

Images: Tameside Council 

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