Hastings Court end months of separation as residents and families are reunited in new Summerhouse

It was an emotional affair when Hastings Court resident Ken and his daughter Lynn Jessop were finally brought face-to-face after months of separation, thanks to our new Summerhouse.

Summerhouse Scheme

Since March, Hastings Court have remained closed from all visits from family and friends in order to ensure the care and welfare of residents and staff.

Being conscious of the impact that no face-to-face visits were having on residents and their loved ones, Hastings Court installed a Summerhouse in the garden so that residents and their relatives could meet safely during the coronavirus lockdown.

Bringing Families Together

Resident Ken and his daughter Lynn were amongst the first people to use ‘The Garden Room’. Being able to see Ken after many months Lynn said, “It was great, absolutely fabulous! I hadn’t realised the difference it would make, seeing Dad face to face. He enjoyed it too, I think he was rather overcome.

“Dad is 96 and at that age, every day is precious. When the coronavirus started you wondered whether that might be the last time, you’d see your loved one, so to be able to meet has been wonderful.”

We captured the beautiful moment between Ken and Lynn in the video below.

Resident Daisy Drew and her husband Brian met with his brother Raymond and partner Patricia. After spending some quality face-to-face time with the family Daisy said, “It was so nice to see them. We would normally see them very regularly because they only live down the road from us here.

“Brian didn’t realise he couldn’t touch them but he put his hand on one side of the glass and Raymond put his on the other. It was lovely.”

Safety First

Families and loved ones have their temperatures taken before entering the Summerhouse. There is a clear screen fitted between residents and their loved one with an intercom that allows them to hear each other clearly.

Residents enter from one side while up to two family members from the same household are shown into the other side via the garden.

Families book half hour appointments and the Summerhouse is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each visit. The Beechwood Grove team have also installed a paved path up to The Garden Room to make it fully accessible to those using a wheelchair or walking aid.

Home Manager Georgina Gamble said, “Bringing families together is benefiting everybody. It’s been a boost for our residents’ wellbeing, and no doubt for their families’ too. They have only had contact via a computer screen for the last three months and we are so delighted to be able to bring them together safely.

“We have been, and continue to be, COVID-free and we want that to continue so we won’t be opening the doors to the home any time soon. But anyone who is thinking of moving in can be reassured that they will be able to have contact with their family.”

Find out more about Hastings Court Care Home.