AT THE end of June, residents at Oakdene Care Home were able to have a safe garden visit from their loved ones.

Management at Oakdene designed a see-through screen, with a gap just big enough to enable hand holding, and welcomed visitors wearing full PPE to come and spend some precious time with their loved ones.

Manager, Lindsey Woodward said: "Our residents and their families have been so patient during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we have managed to create a safe way for a quick visit. 100 days feels twice as long when you’re isolating as our residents have been. Over time, you have to consider the lasting effects on mental health as well as general well-being. We have followed the lockdown guidance and have been overly cautious by closing ahead of the national lockdown."

Through the staff's "incredible" approach, the home has remained coronavirus free, enabling them to offer residents and loved ones a sense of normality.

Lindsey added: "It’s been hard and non-stop but the staff team at Oakdene have been incredible in their approach. It was an hugely emotional day for the residents, their families and the staff team."

All visitors to the garden arrived at a specific time slot so there was only one visit happening at any one time.

Visitors at Oakdene had to follow stringent infection control measures, including temperature checks and donning full PPE, before entering the grounds.