Glimmer of normality after tough year for care homes with more visitors allowed in

They have faced tough restrictions under the Government's Covid guidance, including lengthy periods where residents were unable to be visited by loved ones.

But with the gradual lifting of lockdown and the continuing roll-out of the Covid vaccine, there is a glimmer of hope for normality to return in the future.

Rhea Paller became manager of Montgomery House in Shrewsbury during March, moving from a job where she was head of care quality for Morris Care.

She said: "Knowing how the restrictions were throughout the pandemic, coming in whilst it was lifting was a very positive thing.

"Some of the staff who had to go through shielding because they had medical conditions, most came back to work in April. That was a positive thing for the rest of the team to see their colleagues.

"Seeing families more often compared to the last 12 months, it's become a livelier place for everyone."

Each resident can now choose five designated visitors, with a maximum of two at any given time.

Meanwhile, some of them have also been able to leave the care home for short periods of time.

"Some residents went out on a minibus around Shrewsbury last week, they didn't get off but the change of scenery was lovely for them," Rhea said.

There has also been a good uptake among residents and staff with the Covid vaccine, with bosses saying it brings hope for the future.

Debbie Wilkinson, assistant manager, said it was 'unreal' when Covid-19 began sweeping the country last year.

"You could go home but they couldn't go out," she said.

"I look after adults with learning difficulties and they found it difficult to understand. I told them it was a virus that was hurting people.

"Everybody had the worry about getting the virus and passing something on.

"We've always had enough PPE but we had to adapt. We only had one staff room and turned other rooms into staff rooms to give us more space.

"They had one designated visitor to start with and they found it difficult to decide. Now they can have five it's a lot easier."

She says the gradual lifting of restrictions, allowing residents to be visited by loved ones again had been 'emotional' to see.

"We did a lot of activities to try and keep them entertained – music and dance, crafts, at Christmas we sang carols and dressed up," Debbie said.

"We tried to make it as normal for them as possible. We did a lot of Zoom and Skype calls, but seeing them with their families, you get goosebumps."

Full Covid safety measures are still in place at the care home, from thermal imaging cameras to PPE and regular testing of staff and residents.

Housekeeping supervisor Sharon Evans said: "No one knew at the start what it was going to be like, it was very strange.

"I think the staff have gotten used to the changes. I think we are in a better position now."

One of the care home's 64 residents, 101-year-old Hilda Cross said she was happy her daughter could visit once more and has had her Covid jab.

"I'm looking forward to a time when I can go out with my daughter," she added.

During the pandemic, many care homes across the country have had to manage Covid outbreaks.

David Coull, chief executive of Coverage Care Services, says its care homes in Shropshire – including Montgomery House – had not escaped.

Some residents and staff have contracted the virus, however the care provider hasn't seen an outbreak in at least eight weeks.

"We've always been open with the residents and their families," said David, who admits he is cautious about the future as international travel resumes.

"It's been a hard time and I must pay tribute to the staff.

"They have done a wonderful job."