I don’t want to state the obvious but the last two years have been a bit of a challenge. From the first lockdown when visits were stopped and we took to technology to stay in touch, to waving through windows and then socially distanced meetings, we’ve come a long way.

As restrictions were gradually lifted, we began to receive more visitors, essential carers were allowed to cross the threshold followed by a limited number of nominated family and friends. The home started to feel a little more normal. It was wonderful to see the families again after such a long time.

Last week we received the news that we have been waiting for, visiting restrictions were being lifted and we are once more able to invite people into the home.

It has been an emotional week, there have been tears, and there has been laughter, to see the sheer joy on the faces of our residents to be able to invite families back into their rooms was wonderful. The home seemed to come alive. Walking past rooms and hearing the joyful chatter, watching family members leave with smiles on their faces, it felt like Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day all rolled into one.

And it isn’t just friends and families that have been welcomed back this week, we also had a visit from the local Beavers, what a joy. They came dressed in outfits that represented their individual characters: we had fires, wizards, princesses, Oompa Loompas and more! They brought us sweets, cakes and their very own scrapbook for us as a gift! We learned about them and what it means to them to be a Beaver and they learned about us. There were huge smiles all round.