Care home residents receive second dose of Covid vaccine and renewed 'hope' as doors reopen Monday

Care home residents in Gloucestershire are some of the first in England to have received their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine today, after announcing all five care homes will reopen their doors to a designated family member or loved one on Monday.

Residents from Faithfull House in Cheltenham were offered their second doses by Dr Jackson and the team from The Royal Well Surgery.

Faithfull House was one of the first six care homes in the country to receive the Pfizer vaccine in December where over 200 Lilian Faithfull Care residents (97 per cent) were offered and received their first dose by 6 January.

Suzanne Booker, director of care of Lilian Faithfull Care said: “We know how much this will mean to all those we care for and their families and friends. It has been so longed for and it is a really significant moment for us all.”

James Mitchell, deputy manager and clinical lead at Faithfull House added: “This second vaccine will give [our residents] a huge amount of protection. For us that’s a sigh of relief but also a mark of pride as well.

"There has been huge amount of cooperation and teamwork that’s happened within our home within all the homes across the group, and also all the services in the community. I think it really does help us to feel that we really are one of the safest places to live and work which is really reassuring.”

'Holding someone’s hand has such a massive impact on someone’s mental well-being'

Lilian Faithfull Care has also announced all five care homes are to re-open on Monday 8 March to allow residents to see their family member or loved one.

The charity will allow residents to have one designated visitor under strictly controlled conditions set out by the department of health and social care which include a requirement to take a lateral flow Covid-19 test and wear PPE.

Mr Mitchell said: “I am feeling really excited to be honest, it’s a really special day for everyone involved, and we can’t wait to get going.

“Everyone is excited not only to have the vaccination but with the possibility of being able to lift restrictions even further as the advice changes.”

The designated family member or loved one will be able to see their loved one face-to-face and hold their hand for the first time in nearly a year.

Ali Barnett, daughter of John Crick resident at Faithfull House said: “I know we can hold hands, and there is only one from the whole family who can go and see dad, which I completely understand the reasons for it.

"I can’t wait for when we can actually hug him.

“Lilian Faithfull kept us up to date with what was happening, when we could visit, … they were doing everything they could, obviously they were guided by the government what they are told to do.”

Mr Mitchell added: “Something so simple as holding someone’s hand has such a massive impact on someone’s mental well-being. For our residents to be able to have that is so important.

"That really is one of the most exciting things for us is to be able to bring that personalised element back into it. It’s going to be lovely to see.”

Anyone wishing to visit a loved one at a Lilian Faithfull Care home will need to book a slot in advance by calling or emailing the home where they live.

'We are delighted we can welcome visitors back into our homes and hubs'

Also to reopen on 8 March is the Lilian Faithfull Care’s two Day Care Hubs, the Secret Garden Hub in Cheltenham (behind Faithfull House) and Uplands Hub in Stroud.

The Day Care Hubs give companionship and a range of stimulating activities for guests alongside support and respite for their families.

Martin Hughes, chief executive, Lilian Faithfull Care said: “These three announcements are major steps forward in Lilian Faithfull Care’s journey through the pandemic. It not only renews hope but also offers tangible improvements for so many.

“Throughout this time, we have been able to continue to safely welcome new residents and we are delighted that we can now welcome visitors back into our homes and hubs. The charity is one of the safest places to live and work in the county and together we look forward to a brighter 2021.”

Ms Booker added: “We know how important our hubs are for combatting the loneliness and isolation in our communities which has been exacerbated during the pandemic and we look forward to reopening safely on 8 March.”

click here for more details or to contact Lilian Faithfull Care Charity