A CARE home has launched a unique initiative to allow families to visit and hug their loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ‘Cuddle Curtain’ was inspired by a viral video spotted online by one of Westlands Care Home’s managers.

The plastic ‘curtain’ with slots for arms allows people to safely cuddle one another – introduced to allow families to visit residents after months of lockdown, while still maintaining a safe distance.

The care home is managed by RMD Care, with CEO Abbas Merali telling the Herald of how he had not come across any homes using a similar method to allow families to see each other.

“We thought that this would be such a wonderful thing to reunite our residents and families,” he said.

“It was over subscribed the first time we did it, however we hope to make it a regular feature. This curtain allows for a cuddle, which is a very powerful thing.”

Westlands Care Home specialises in the care for those living with dementia, with 53 residents currently in the home.

Abbas told the Herald the care home made the decision to lockdown before the rest of the country to keep staff and residents safe – the care home having had no Covid-19 related deaths.

On the ‘Cuddle Curtain’s’ first launch, Abbas described it as “very emotional”, with each family reacting differently to one another.

“One gentleman’s wife is with us at the home, and they just held each other’s hand through the curtain,” he added.

Also speaking to the Herald was Donna Pritchard, who was able to cuddle her mother Molly after months of separation.

Although visiting the home and talking to her mother through the window, Donna told of how she was able to “put my cheek against her cheek”, calling the experience “amazing”.

Looking back at the first trial of the curtain, Abbas continued: “It was emotional and an overwhelming sense of achievement for our staff team to be able to see the families reunite again through the ‘cuddle curtain’ initiative.”

He also recognised and paid thanks to the efforts made by Hampshire County Council during the pandemic, commenting: “While there has been a lot of criticism directed at the government and local authority, I have to give credit to Hampshire County Council who have been great with their support in what has been an aligned and collaborative effort.”