WEST FIFE families are being helped by a Scotland-wide campaign group aiming to help families see their loved ones in care homes.

After facilities closed their doors to visitors back in March, some residents have been able to see designated loved ones, however, many across the country are still being denied the chance of seeing their relatives.

The Care Home Relatives Scotland Facebook group set up in August is providing a collective voice for the community.

Fordell woman Lorraine Coales is one of the 1,500-plus members who joined after becoming frustrated at the lack of contact she had been able to have with her 81-year-old mum in a Dunfermline nursing home.

Sheila Hall, from the group, said they had not imagined that nine months since the initial lockdown, they would be considering themselves lucky to be gazing at loved ones through a closed window or a glass screen.

"In the beginning we understood – it was all being done to protect our loved ones – but the months passed and there was no relaxation of the rules in sight," she said. "Across the country, individual stories of despair and angst were coming to light via social media.

"Our concerns have been listened to by the Health Secretary, certain changes to the guidance made in response, but, unfortunately, there is no legal obligation for care home companies to adopt the recommendations.

"Sadly, the majority of our loved ones continue to be denied meaningful contact. When your mum has dementia, has lost the power of speech and just wants to hold your hand, the lack of contact is unbearable."

She feels keeping relatives out had been looked on as the "easier option" for many care homes.

"We must learn to live with the risks of COVID and with stringent infection control measures and use of PPE (as practised by carers and staff) this is possible," she said.

"Our group has met with MSPs from every political party, representatives from the Care Inspectorate, Scottish Care (the membership organisation that represents care homes) human rights experts and numerous charitable organisations.

"Everyone listens, our concerns are recognised, but despite the media publicity implying improved access, the situation at grassroots level is not giving grounds for optimism.

"Every week in Scotland, around 300 care home residents die from natural causes. Our group will continue to lobby, meet, shout out, support, and write. But we can do nothing to stop the pain of losing a loved one whom we have been unable to touch for nine months."