Residents reunited with family during garden visits as Northamptonshire care home remains Covid-free

A care home in Northamptonshire that has managed to remain Covid-free throughout the pandemic has started allowing garden visits.

Brampton View Care Home, in Chapel Brampton, was finally able to allow families into its garden on Monday (June 29) to be reunited with residents after three months of relying on technology.

The home has not had any positive tests for Covid-19 throughout the pandemic, which it credits to its hard working care and housekeeping staff.

It has also set up a weekly testing programme that will continue in order to ensure that family visits remain safe.

Bogdan Gancean, general manager of the care home, said: “Our deputy manager Jess is testing all staff every week to make sure no-one has Covid-19, to ensure Brampton View’s Covid-free status is maintained and family visits can continue.”

Thanks to the Covid-free status, families are able to sit in the garden metres away from their loved one and have a face-to-face chat.

David Le Pla, a retired architect who has lived in Northampton since he was five and has four children, was the first resident to be reunited with his family earlier this week, which also coincided with his 88th birthday.

His children have been talking to their father on Skype during lockdown, but his sons, who live locally, were keen to visit him in person.

Roger and Richard, who brought gifts, sat outside on a bench, while their dad was inside the patio door of his room three metres away.

Richard, one of David’s sons said: “We were pleased to see him looking so well and happy. Our visit went really well and we can’t wait to come again.”

Throughout lockdown, while visits from family have not been allowed, staff at the care home made sure there were plenty of daily activities for residents such as quizzes, crafts and social events.

With its Covid-free status and testing programme in place, the care home is now keen to start taking on new residents.

Bogden added: “It means we can welcome new respite and long-term residents into a safe environment. This is crucial for people who have been managing on their own for several weeks now.

“We can provide the support they need including medical supervision, delicious food and new friends.

“We are delighted to welcome people to Brampton View again.”

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