Care home residents with loved ones in time for Christmas with visiting booth

A Jarrow care home has created a Covid-secure visiting booth to enable relatives to visit their loved ones safely this Christmas.
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The facilit, built in the main lounge of the home, backs on to patio doors meaning that loved ones do not have to step a foot into the home at all during their visit.

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The visitor then takes a seat inside the booth and is able to speak to their relative in the home through the glass window.

Resident Thelma Shepherd, 90, was one of the first to receive a visit using the booth from her niece, Ann Kelly.Resident Thelma Shepherd, 90, was one of the first to receive a visit using the booth from her niece, Ann Kelly.
Resident Thelma Shepherd, 90, was one of the first to receive a visit using the booth from her niece, Ann Kelly.

It is cleaned by staff between each visit and means that families are able to keep warm while seeing their loved ones in a safe way.

Deputy manager Megan Graves said the first visits using the booth took place on Wednesday, December 16, calling it an ‘emotional’ experience for everyone.

She said: “It is absolutely fantastic and it was lovely to see the visits taking place.

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"It was quite emotional as it was March when we had to stop visits, although customers and their families could see each other through the windows, we have not had proper visits for months.

The new Palmersdene visiting booth and resident Thelma Shepherd, 90, with niece, Ann Kelly, using the facility.The new Palmersdene visiting booth and resident Thelma Shepherd, 90, with niece, Ann Kelly, using the facility.
The new Palmersdene visiting booth and resident Thelma Shepherd, 90, with niece, Ann Kelly, using the facility.

"But the booth means that they can be carried out in a safe way and follow the guidelines.

"People can book a time slot for a visit and the booth is fully sanitised after every visit.”

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Ashley Timber donated wood for the booth – which will be a permanent fixture – while volunteer Kevin Pryor built it in his own time.

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An anonymous donor also provided funds to furnish the booth so that it was comfortable for families.

Megan added: “Some customers do love being outside for visits but it can be too cold for them.

"This means that they can still be lovely and warm during the visit.”

Resident Thelma Shepherd, 90, was one of the first to receive a visit using the booth from her niece, Ann Kelly.

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Ann said: “I am absolutely delighted with the way the home has handled everything during the pandemic.

“I have done a window visit but it was quite restrictive but with the booth I could hear quite clearly and it was very comfortable.”

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