A Trowbridge nursing home has been creative in reuniting residents with family following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Bupa’s Trowbridge Oaks has set up outdoor visits, in line with social distancing guidelines, to ensure people can see loved ones face-to-face, whilst still ensuring resident’s safety.

To overcome the unpredictable British summer, the home has installed a large gazebo and screens to allow people to safely and comfortably meet outside.

The home also continues to follow strict infection control guidelines set by Public Health England, including the use of PPE by all staff.

Rebecca Pearson, operations director, said: “The lockdown has posed challenges for us all, but particularly for the care home sector.

“Our residents are among the most vulnerable to the virus so we’ve been working really hard to keep them safe.

“At the same time, we know the importance of family connection and the joy it brings to see loved ones in person. That’s why we’re all so pleased to commence these outdoor visits.”

“The responses have been heart-warming and have been appreciated by residents and relatives alike.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the home, not only for making these visits possible, but for their hard work over the past few months to keep residents safe and well.”

Trowbridge Oaks cares for up to 52 residents. Prior to the visits, the team had been using technology to keep loved ones connected, purchasing additional iPads and phones to ensure everybody could make calls.

The team had also been writing to families with regular updates to reassure them that residents were safe and well and had plenty of company and entertainment during the lockdown.

In compliance with the latest government guidelines, visits are limited to one guest per resident.