IT WAS an emotional day as care home residents in Weymouth go to see their families after a 'drive-through' visit was arranged.

While residents of Gracewell have spoken to their relatives on the phone or via video call they have not seen them in person since March.

The team arranged a drive-through event with visitors parading slowly past the home in their cars, maintaining a safe social distance.

Residents were seated at the entrance of the home in Cross Road and despite the rain, all were said to be in good spirits.

Families stayed in their cars as they slowly paraded past the residents and got to spend some quality time with them. Many families decorated their cars with messages of love, bunting and posters.

The home has already started making plans for its next drive-through visit following the success of this event.

Dianne Pilliaert and Chris Pilliaert, relatives of resident Bryan Wood said: “Thank you so much to Gracewell of Weymouth, the drive-through event was a wonderful occasion. It was well organised and went very well. It was wonderful to see how dad was in the flesh, rather than just over Facetime. He had a tear in his eye, but to see his smile and face lit up was worth everything.

“You are all so dedicated and have a wonderful home. The staff are amazing and dad has been so well looked after. Our thanks also goes to Dr Godfrey, she is so marvellous and supportive. We could not have picked a better care home, thank you to each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Mr Wood said: “That was a marvellous experience. Thank you to the team here for doing so much for going to all the effort to make it possible for us to see our families again. It had been a hell of a long wait!”

Esther Sheppard, Home Admissions Advisor at Gracewell of Weymouth said: “Families drove into our car park area, where the residents were ready and waiting to see them, they were all so excited. Residents were able to have face-to-face contact with that safe physical distance maintained. It was wonderful to see the families and residents reunite for the first times in months. It was so exciting for all of us, we can’t wait to host another.”

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