Family reunions at Luff House

How the introduction of close contact visits has been giving a boost to everyone at Luff House, our home in Walton-on-the-Naze

“It was absolutely fantastic to be able to not only see my father but also hold his hand on his 89^th birthday.” These words come from Mike who, thanks to the new visiting rules, was able to enjoy a close contact visit with his father Don. Watching through the window and joining in with the birthday fun were Kim, Don’s grandchildren Hannah and Matthew and Don’s grand-daughter Miah Joy. “It’s been a very long time to get to this,” says Mike. “It was very, very special day for sure.”

Sue Vine, part of the team at Luff House, has had a key role to play in organising visits. “It’s been a privilege and a joy to be involved in such special moments,” she says. “It’s given a real lift to all of us at Luff, both family members and staff. There are lots of lovely smiling faces.”

Shirley (known as Shelly) and her daughter Hayley have also been enjoying being able to hold hands again. “Having that physical interaction was so special,” says Hayley. “Our first close contact visit actually took place a year to the day after the last time I’d been able to visit and hold hands.”

Sue is now organising regular weekly visits for those living at Luff House. “I can spend a whole day on the phone taking bookings,” she says.