COVID-19: Care home resident reunites with husband after five months away in New Zealand

A husband and wife from Worcester are finally reunited after a three week trip forced them to be apart for five months due to COVID-19.

Gay Smallman, a resident at Fernhill House Care Home and her husband Robert last saw each other face-to-face in February.

Mr Smallman flew out to New Zealand for what was supposed to be a three-week trip to see his daughters and grandchildren but due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the borders became shut and ended up staying there for five months.

The only time Mr and Mrs Smallman spent this long apart was before they were married.

’I cannot tell you how much I have missed you. I love you so much’

Arriving at the home, full of love and excitement to see his wife, Mr Smallman said he had missed his wife and added: “We’ve been married 45 years, and we’re as thick as thieves.”

When they were finally united in the new ‘Friendship Room’ at Fernhill House, Mrs Smallman said: “It’s just heavenly to see you. I cannot tell you how much I have missed you. I love you so much Robert.”

Angie Ryan, Fernhill House home manager, said: “It’s been really emotional. We’ve all been waiting for a number of weeks and months now.”

The reunion of Mr and Mrs Smallman took placed in Fernhill House Care Home’s brand new ‘Friendship Room’ where each were given a glass of bubbly to celebrate being together again.

Ms Ryan said: “I am very proud to state that Fernhill House has remained COVID free throughout which wholeheartedly down to the hard work and dedication of the team here at Fernhill and the guidance and support provided by Majesticare.”

Roger Pratap, chairman at Majesticare Luxury Care Homes, said: “Early on into the pandemic, Majesticare was quick to recognise the potential lasting impact on visiting within our homes and so we made the decision to swiftly develop, an all-weather, safe visiting room within each of our homes.

“It is just wonderful to be able to bring Gay and Robert together at the opening of our very first visiting room.

“A beautifully decorated, private and safe space to ensure families and friends will always be able to stay safely connected in person, whatever the future may bring.”

click here for more details or to contact Fernhill House Care Home