Joy for Inverness couple after care home agrees to let wife see her husband on their golden wedding anniversary
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An elderly couple who were stopped from seeing each other at an Inverness care home – even through a closed window – are to enjoy an emotional reunion on their golden wedding anniversary.
Anne Chambers (78) will be able to share a hug and a glass of champagne with husband Brian (86) indoors at Cradlehall Court Care Home on Boxing Day after the Courier intervened to highlight their heartbreaking plight last week.
Mr Chambers, an ex-naval petty officer and Inverness Royal Academy technical teacher, has dementia and has been resident at the home since early March.
On several occasions in recent months, public visits to the home were stopped after positive Covid-19 tests among staff. Mrs Chambers had argued that she should be allowed at least a quick garden visit to wave to her husband through the window.
Concerned at his deteriorating condition, Danish-born Mrs Chambers, of Oakwood Court, Inverness, also feared being apart on their 50th wedding celebration on December 26.
Now, though, the home – run by HC-One – has been in touch to say they can meet indoors.
“I received a message to phone the nurse in charge of Brian’s ward. My heart missed a beat or two thinking that he might have passed away,” Mrs Chambers said.
“To my great relief, it was terrific news. She told me they would like to mark the occasion of our golden wedding and had a surprise in store for us.”
Mrs Chambers will be given a Covid-19 test at 10.30am that day and, if negative, will see her husband 30 minutes later.
“I can see Brian in his room as long as I’m wearing PPE. I can even give him a hug and have a glass of champagne with him,” she said.
“I would just like to thank the Inverness Courier for listening to me, and for helping me and Brian. I really hope my experience can help others in a similar predicament.”
A spokesperson for the home said the visit had been deemed essential under Scottish Government rules.
A statement said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Mrs Chambers to the home to visit Mr Chambers on their golden wedding anniversary.
“We know it is exceptionally difficult for families to be apart from their loved ones, and we are pleased to have been able to agree with our local health and care partners that this essential visit can go ahead within the local and national restrictions which are being imposed.
“Our team are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the Chambers have a lovely anniversary and they continue to go above and beyond wherever possible for all residents at Cradlehall.
"We are committed to doing everything we can to support safe visits in our homes within all relevant guidance, whilst taking every precaution to ensure the safety of those who make their home with us.”
'Let me see my sick husband before it's too late'
