Pensioners living in a care home have been reunited with their loved ones for the first time since lockdown with the help of a glass pod.

Elderly people at Home Prince Michael of Kent Court located on Stratford Road, Watford were overjoyed as they were finally able to see their families this week.

Care home staff closed their doors to all but essential visitors before lockdown to protect its residents. Staff made sure those living in the home had regular contact with their families by phone or video call.

The home is among the first in country to install a Covid-19 secure visitor pods. The pod is made of airtight glass and has an intercom system so residents can talk to guests.

Watford Observer:

Betty used the glass pod to see her granddaughter and great grandchildren. Credit: Home Prince Michael of Kent Court​

Staff said visitors enter and exit from outside the home to minimise the risk of infection, while residents access the pod from a different door inside the home.

93-year-old Betty Higginbotham was one of the first residents to use the pod and was overjoyed to meet her great grandson, Freddy, who was born during lockdown.

Betty said: "It was wonderful to meet little Freddy at last and be reunited with my granddaughter Charlotte and my great granddaughter Ava.

"He is such a dear little soul and he was so calm, like his lovely mum. I've been longing to meet him."

Betty's granddaughter Charlotte said: "It was fantastic being able to introduce Freddy at last. The visitor pod is great.

"The whole experience was just really positive. The home has done a brilliant job looking after my nan through the pandemic, we can't have asked for more."

Both sides of the pod are deep cleaned between each visit and it was installed by the care home's facilities team.

Home manager Beverely Roberts said: "It means the world to our residents to be able to have their loved ones visit and chat to them.

"In normal times, they are able to have visitors whenever they like, so not being able to do that has been heart-breaking for everyone.

"We're all looking forward to the day when they can hug each other, but until then, we hope that our new secure pod will make it a bit easier for our residents and their families."