There were tears of joy today at Jewish Care homes as designated visitors were able to hold hands with their loved ones for the first time in almost a year.

Nina Doltis, who lives at the charity’s Lady Sarah Cohen House in Friern Barnet, was finally once again able to hold the hand of her daughter Jacky.

“It’s lovely and overwhelming,” said Mrs Doltis as they chatted about her seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.  “It's very emotional,” her daughter added. “I greatly missed seeing my Mum."

Norma Nash, a resident at Anita Dorfman House in Stanmore, was visited by one of her daughters, Amanda Patashnik.

 “When I had my vaccine I cried with relief,” Ms Patashnik said. “I’m so excited to see mum. It’s been a year and we are all so close.” Jewish Care had facilitated “amazingly well-organised” pod visits “but it was sad. It’s not the same speaking through a monitor and a sheet of glass. It’s a blessing to see her.”

Adrienne Cinna visited her mum, Sheila Cohen, who moved into the Kun Mor and  George Kiss Home in Friern Barnet in November.

“I feel better now I’ve seen mum,” Ms Cinna said. “I can see the visit’s made an enormous difference to her. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the staff for making mum feel so at home and for giving us the first opportunity for this visit. I really appreciate it.”  

Jewish Care chief executive Daniel Carmel-Brown was “delighted that these visits can begin [now that the government has eased restrictions]. I look forward to welcoming many more designated visitors as they reunite with their loved ones in the coming days and weeks.”