With a cheeky smile, grandad John Ross is overjoyed to be leaving his care home for a day out.
After a Government U-turn, residents are now allowed to 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 89-year-old John, who is getting back to his old self.
“My dad is so much better in himself and looks so much better,” says his daughter Penny Ogden, 59.
What is your view? Have your say in the comment section
“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 after the Mirror highlighted John’s plight, care homes have since reopened their doors.
Great-grandad John was delighted to be driven around Liverpool and to see the sights again after so long.
His daughter says a change of scene has done him a world of good.
“He hadn’t been out for so long but he was so happy to be back in the car,” says Penny. “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.”
The Government’s U-turn comes as the data shows cases are continuing to fall, meaning it is now much safer for residents to leave their care homes.
They must be accompanied by either a care worker or nominated visitor.
Campaigners have welcomed the change in guidance but say it needs to be legally binding, as it’s a “postcode lottery” on which homes will fully comply.
This is why actress Ruthie Henshall, 54, yesterday joined campaign group Rights for Residents in handing in a petition to Downing Street to demand the Government bring in legislation, as hundreds of families are still denied access to their loved ones.
She said: “This is a human right that is being completely ignored from these beautiful people who are lonely and dying. As wonderful as a carer can be, they’re not family. It’s breaking my heart.
“It’s wrong that care homes make up the rules.”
Co-founder of Rights for Residents, Jenny Morrison, whose mum is also in a care home, said: “Despite the Government producing guidance for care homes to say visits should happen, we’re finding there’s widespread flouting and ignoring of the guidance.
"All care home residents should have the same rights for visitors.”
