'It means so much' - The emotional moment son reunites with mum in South Tyneside care home

Mary Pinder, a resident at Palmersdene care home in Jarrow, was reunited with her son, John Pinder, on Friday, March 12 – the first time the pair had been able to see each other in person since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The 82-year-old was able to hold hands with her son during the visit at the home while he wore a protective mask, apron and gloves.

It was an emotional visit for the pair, with son, John, saying it ‘means so much’.

“It’s just lovely to hold my relative’s hand again and it’s great to see her after all that’s happened,” he said.

"The team at Palmersdene care home have been amazing looking after all of us here but it means so much to see my family again.”

Their reunion was one of the homes first visits under the new guidelines, which now allow indoor visits from a single named family member or friend to take place.

Previously, families had relied on Palmersdene’s visiting booth to see their relatives in the home safely.

The facility, 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.

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

Palmersdene manager, Maureen McCulloch, said: “It’s so wonderful to see our residents and relatives reunited like this.

"It’s so heart-warming and rewarding that residents are starting to see their loved ones in person and hold hands.”

What are the new rules on care home visits?

From Monday, March 8, care home residents were able to nominate a single named visitor who will be able to enter the care home for regular visits.

These visitors should be tested using rapid lateral flow tests before every visit, must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow Covid-19 guidelines.

Visitors and residents are allowed to hold hands.

Care homes can continue to offer visits to other loved ones with arrangements such as outdoor visiting, visiting pods, or behind windows.

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