A care home in Edgbaston has been responsible for reuniting two sisters.
Gracewell of Edgbaston welcomed Frances to their Memory Care community at the beginning of October 2021. She has since become a valued member of the care home and formed strong relationships with residents and team members.
A few months previously Betty had moved into the ground floor of the care home. During one-to-one sessions with Kelsey, Activities Coordinator at Gracewell of Edgbaston, Betty would discuss family life and speak particularly fondly of her sister, Frances.
After team members realised that the sister in discussion was their very own new resident Frances, they set to work on a memorable and heart-warming reunion for the two sisters.
A Ladies High Tea Morning followed, where the two sisters became inseparable. After enjoying lunch together, a whole day was spent reminiscing, catching up, and participating in activities together.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the reunion marked a rare occasion in which the sisters have been able to enjoy one another’s company. Prior to a meeting in the garden of Frances’ previous care home earlier this summer to celebrate her birthday, Frances and Betty had not seen each other since July 2020.
Their separation was further heightened by Frances being involved in a fall that led to her hospitalisation, during the peak of lockdown.
However, as the country has enjoyed a post-lockdown reunion with loved ones, Betty and Frances have now had their turn at Gracewell of Edgbaston. The care home offers nursing, residential, dementia, respite and palliative care, as well as independent living.
Speaking of their reunion, Betty said: “I just feel so happy and like someone granted my wish to bring my sister back to me so we can be together and continue life as we always have. Having my sister just a floor above me, gives me so much ease and brings me so much comfort that I can see her as and when I please. I came to a new family here at Gracewell, now my family is joining me in this new family. I am so happy and grateful.”
Kelsey Green, Activities Coordinator at Gracewell of Edgbaston, said: “All of the team members are absolutely delighted we were able to reunite Frances and Betty. It has been a heart-warming moment for everyone to witness, and a reminder of the positive impact the home can have on its residents. Families and loved ones have been separated for prolonged periods due to the pandemic. Seeing them reunited in our care home is therefore a great step forward.”
