Mum and daughter celebrate Mother’s Day hand in hand in emotional reunion

It was an emotional affair when our Lambwood Heights Care Home resident Winnie Mulgrew and daughter Margaret Godfrey held each other’s hands for the first time in a year.

Following the government guidelines, the care home team arranged for Margaret to surprise Winnie on Mother’s Day as coronavirus restrictions had been eased.

The close-knit pair had only been able to meet on either side of the clear screen in the home’s covid-safe visiting room, and Winnie found it difficult to understand why the two of them couldn’t be together.

The emotional moment of their reunion was thrilling for Margaret who prior to lockdown would visit her mum almost every day.

Margaret rejoiced, “It was emotional and wonderful! I was waiting in Mum’s room and when the staff brought her in, I don’t know how I stopped myself from putting my arms around her. We both cried!

“She was chatty and bright and looked gorgeous! She loves to look her best and she’s been so happy since the home’s salon has re-opened.

“I’ve been able to see her nearly every week since they opened the summer house in June, but it’s nothing like actually being face to face and holding hands.”

Wearing full PPE, Margaret was able to sit with Winnie while she enjoyed a glass of champagne and chocolates from the box Margaret had brought as a gift. Staff had decorated Winnie’s room with a Mother’s Day banner and arranged Margaret’s bouquet of flowers.

Residents in care homes in England are now allowed to have one designated visitor since the government relaxed restrictions on the 8^th of March. Family members have to book appointments and take a coronavirus test before entering, and contact is limited to holding hands.

Care Home Manager Sonia Kasese said, “Relatives have been overwhelmed to be able to have even limited touch.

“We have organised window visits, video calls online and, when restrictions have allowed, visits in our summer house in the garden or the specially-adapted visiting room we’ve created in the home, but nothing compares to being able to be in the same room and actually touch the person they love.”

“It has been especially challenging for our residents with dementia as some have struggled to understand why their families couldn’t come into the lounge or into their room.

“Mother’s Day was a wonderfully emotional day for families, residents and our staff – they very much care for our residents and there was a tear in everyone’s eye.”

Margaret was thrilled with her visit but feels for her sister, Carole. She continued, “We decided I would be the designated relative because I live so much closer and I can come more often. She would dearly love to be able to see Mum face-to-face but she’s visiting next week and will see her through the screen in the visiting room.”

Margaret has already booked her next visit to see her mum. She added, “Sticking a swab up your nose and wearing a mask and an apron is nothing. The whole thing for Mother’s Day was… amazing.  The only thing was having to say goodbye.

“I can’t wait to come back next week!”

Find out more about Lambwood Heights Care Home.