Care home residents in Much Wenlock celebrate as lockdown restrictions allow visitor trips
Residents at a Shropshire care home were celebrating being able to go on trips out again as lockdown restrictions ease across the country.
People at Wheatlands care home in Much Wenlock are now able to go on a short trip with their designated visitor without having to isolate on their return.
Trips have included walks in the countryside, enjoying the views from nearby beauty spots and having a coffee at a local cafe.
Claire Brewer, general manager at the home, said: “We couldn’t be happier that our residents can start to go out again with their named visitor. Obviously we still have to be careful so we’re testing visitors before they take residents out but it is wonderful that our residents can spend time with their families out of the home. It really feels like we’ve turned a corner.”
Judith, a resident at Wheatlands, said: “I am just so happy that I am able to spend some quality time with my friend again, we have had such a lovely trip out together. We have been able to keep in touch through video calls and using the visiting suite but it is fantastic to be able to go out and about again – life really does feel like it is starting to get back to normal. I am so grateful to the staff for keeping us safe and for all they have done.”
The home has been running varied life enrichment programmes in efforts to keep residents active and provide a choice of physical, mental and spiritual activities.
All new residents and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in the home.
Wheatlands care home is run by Barchester Healthcare and provides residential care, dementia care and respite.
