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Leicester Care Home Reunites Resident with Family After Years Apart

South Lodge Care Home in Leicester has helped one of its residents, Karen, reunite with her family in Essex after years of separation.

Karen Rennie moved to South Lodge Care Home in 2019 to be closer to her daughter, while most of her family remained in Essex. Distance and circumstances made visits difficult, leaving Karen longing to see her loved ones.

With nearly two million older people in the UK experiencing loneliness (Age UK, 2018), South Lodge Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, prioritises keeping residents connected to their families.

Karen with her brother Brian

Recognising Karen’s deep desire to reunite with her family, the team at South Lodge Care Home made it their mission to make it happen.

After months of planning, Karen was able to visit Essex for ten days, staying at Brentwood Arches Care Home, another home within the Avery Healthcare Group.

During her stay, the 66-year-old spent cherished time with her mother, brother, daughter, and close friends. They reminisced, shared laughter, and created new memories together.

She also enjoyed meals with her family, an experience she had longed for, and took part in various activities at Brentwood Arches Care Home.

Karen shared her joy, saying: “I’ve missed my family so much. Being able to spend time with them again was incredible. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Brian Rennie, Karen’s brother, said, “It was emotional to be together again after so long. We’ve missed Karen being in Essex, and this visit gave us the chance to catch up on the years apart.”

Donna Bradley, Home Manager at South Lodge Care Home, added: “It’s been wonderful to see Karen reunited with her family. We always focus on the personal wishes of our residents, and this is a perfect example of how we go the extra mile.”

Karen’s story highlights the importance of family connections and the dedication of South Lodge Care Home in ensuring residents maintain their bonds, no matter the distance.