A CARE home has found a unique way for relatives to see their loved ones after three months of lockdown.

Managers at Beechwood Grove care home knew that the coronavirus lockdown and outbreaks caused have caused huge concerns over the past few months.

Many will have worried for elderly or vulnerable loved ones, not knowing if the virus would claim more lives.

But Beechwood has been spared the heartache of any coronavirus cases, and now has launched a new garden cottage so that residents can meet visitors safely.

It includes protective screens and an intercom to allow people to remain socially distanced.

Among those who took advantage was Lesley Robbins from Eastbourne, who went to see her 91-year-old mother Audrey Robbins for the first time since Mother’s Day in March.

She said: “It was fantastic, absolutely incredible.

“I haven’t seen mum since before Mother’s Day so I missed that and her 91st birthday, which was very difficult.

“We tried Skyping but it was a bit overwhelming for her so I’ve just been speaking to her on the phone. I rang her the night before my visit and told her I was coming and she was so excited.

“To be able to sit opposite her, to see her and have a conversation with her was just wonderful.

“Beechwood Cottage, as they’ve called it, is so homely and cosy. It was nice not to have to wear a mask to talk to mum. I’ll definitely be going back.”

During the coronavirus lockdown people were not allowed to visit other people from outside their own household.

There were also strict rules in place for care homes.

Rules have now been eased which mean children can go to visit grandparents for example, and over 70s and those shielding are now allowed out if they wish.

Beechwood manager Caroline Braime said the home looks after 60 residents, and has not had any coronavirus cases, and allowing visitors to see loved ones is now having a huge impact..

She said: “It’s been thrilling to see such happy faces coming out of Beechwood Cottage. Families are so happy to be able to see their loved ones, to be reassured that they’re well. Equally, our residents are delighted to be able to see their family in person and to have a normal conversation.

“We have been, and continue to be, Covid-free so we will maintain our infection control measures to keep our residents as safe as possible. But we can now give people living here the contact with their families they’ve been so desperate for.”