An extra special Mother's Day visit at Brooke House

As an extra surprise, she received a lovely bouquet from her mother, which included daffodils picked by residents in the grounds of the home, the former residence of the Mackintosh of chocolate fame family.

Mrs Sissons, who lives in Upper Stoke, close to the home in Brooke, near Norwich, said: “It is such a relief to be able to see my mum in her room and hold her hand.

“The carers have had a difficult job to do and have coped admirably, but the 12-month lockdown and visiting restrictions have taken their toll on my mother and there will be a lot of catching up to do in the next few months.”

She said the government’s Covid regulations had made meaningful contact with her mother difficult.

“I had a Zoom call, but Mum did not like that, and we have talked on the phone. Visits have been behind a Perspex screen in the conservatory and that was difficult for Mum because she is hard of hearing and has poor eyesight.”

Kingsley Healthcare, which runs Brooke House, has welcomed the government’s easing of restrictions, allowing hand-holding visits.

Author: Stephen Pullinger