An elderly care home in the UK has turned laboratory-style rubber gloves into hugging mitts, giving residents their first touches from family in months. As British residents brace for a second COVID-19 lockdown, Hallamshire Care Home’s ‘visiting nook’ will allow guests an opportunity to hug their loved ones. The innovation comes as concerns over the mental health of the isolated and elderly rises.
Hugging Mitts And Headphones
During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, over 20,000 people living in care homes died. These shocking statistics–in the face of renewed lockdown measures as cases rise and winter approaches–brings renewed concerns to care facilities. While protecting elderly residents from coronavirus is essential, keeping their spirits up is equally important.
This very reason is what moved Hallamshire Care Home to create its ‘visiting nook.’ Although warmer months allowed for an outdoor area for residents and families to socialize, the coming winter necessitated an indoor space. Outfitted with cozy chairs and a large glass window, the nook has a separate entrance for visitors to enter. On the other side of the glass, residents can not only see their loved ones but they can also touch and hear them. By installing ‘hugging mitts’ and headphones, these isolated elderly ones are receiving the interaction they’ve been missing.
The large, black gloves use the same concept as laboratories do. While it may not be the same as normal contact, residents enjoy a hand-hold or hug from their families. Scott Mellville, the manager of the Sheffield facility, sees this innovation as simply part of good care. “Contact is the most important thing, especially with loved ones,” he told the UK’s Daily Mail. “It’s what’s been really missing throughout care homes in recent months.” The addition of headphones allows for clear communication between both sides of the glass.
Staying Safe During The Pandemic
The hugging mitts are an innovative solution during a dangerous pandemic. With the glass window safely keeping germs away, visitors wear disposable gloves inside the mitts for an added layer of protection. Additionally, the room is steam-sanitized after every visit. This 30-minute staggering of visitors ensures proper sanitizing can be completed between guests.
Mental and emotional safety play a significant role at Hallamshire as well. Many of the residents have dementia, making following coronavirus safety rules a challenge. While UK officials have suggested pods or virtual visits, many elderly ones with dementia have difficulty understanding protocols. The Sheffield care center’s visiting nook, on the other hand, provides a simple and fun way of interaction. Melville notes that all of the residents and their families have received the new visiting area with excitement. “It’s going beyond touching a window or through plastic,” he told The Daily Mail. “They’re actually able to sit and safely hold hands with loved ones that they haven’t been able to for six, seven, eight, or nine months.” (1)
On the care facilities Facebook page, Hallamshire posted photos of the visiting experience. Elderly ones’ faces beam along with their visitors as they interact with the hugging mitts. Residents smile wide as they hold the gloved hands of their loved ones. While it might not be the same, these simple touches will likely help families and residents keep going until an effective COVID-19 vaccine is available. (2)
