A CARE home manager has said visitors being allowed closer contact with loved ones in care homes from next week shows we are “getting back to a little bit of normality.”

The Lawns Nursing Home in Main Road, Kempsey, provides a variety of care, including end of life and, from Monday, one constant visitor per resident will be allowed as Government lockdown on care homes eases.

The visitor cannot change - leading families to make tough decisions about who the appointed visitor will be.

Melanie Dawson, home manager at The Lawns said: “The guidance only came out yesterday and everyone needs to understand the limitations of the guidance - but it shows the care industry is getting back to a little bit of normality.”

The selected visitor will be able to spend time with their loved one not behind a protective screen but face-to-face, provided they produce a negative test for Covid-19.

Pat Taylor who is 71 from Malvern, is looking forward to meeting regularly with husband Tony, 76, when restrictions are relaxed.

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Mrs Taylor said: “I’ve been part of the trial at the home and last Wednesday I visited to try out lateral flow testing.

“I’m very pleased to be able to meet my husband and hold hands - albeit with gloves on but I can explain that away - and not being behind a screen is far better and he will understand better too.

“The home has been great and has done its best to keep families together, with visiting in the garden over summer and using video chats.

“Tony has Alzheimer’s so it’s been a struggle with him not really understanding what’s going on.”

Mrs Taylor said she understands the need for restrictions in care homes as she contracted Covid-19 last year but has now recovered but she has still not regained her sense of smell.

Are you looking forward to meeting with your loved one again?