A great grandad beamed as he was finally allowed to leave his care home for his first trip out with his family in over a year.
John Ross, 89, was taken for a drive around Liverpool by daughter Penny Ogden, 59, following a change in government policy.
Under the new rules care home residents can now go out to a park, beach or into town, without having to self isolate for 14 days on their return.
This is a lifeline for John, who is getting back to his old self - reports Mirror Online.
Penny said: "My dad is so much better in himself and looks so much better.
“I took him for a drive around Liverpool, this is what they need. The pictures show how good he is now that I am allowed to see him every day.”
John, from Liverpool, has vascular dementia and was a shell of himself last year when he barely had any visits from his family.
Shocking before and after photos showed the extent of his deterioration without any contact from loved ones.
But care homes have since reopened their doors and John is much happier.
John was delighted to be driven around Liverpool and to see the sights again after so long.
His daughter says a change of scenery has done him a world of good.
Penny said: “He hadn’t been out for so long but he was so happy to be back in the car.
“He loves the Albert Dock and all around town.
"It was just like the old times. I got him a cup of tea and we sat in the car and just watched the boats going up and down the river.
“I drove around and got him a little ice cream and he was quite happy.”
She adds: “I know when I take him back to the care home he’s forgotten it five minutes later, but for me, in that moment of time, he is happy.
"It has helped him tremendously. The care home has been tremendous.”
