A deaf mother and her daughter, who have been unable to speak for 10 weeks, have finally caught up through the power of video call.

Helen Page, who has been profoundly deaf since birth, has been missing her daily visits from daughter Cathy Edson, and son David, at Saltwood Care Centre in Hythe.

The Tanners Hill home closed its doors to all but essential visitors in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Cathy said: "I haven’t been able to visit mum now for 10 weeks and while other residents can keep in touch with their loved ones with phone calls, this isn’t an option for us."

Staff therefore organised a video call so that the duo could see each other.

Cathy said: "When the home organised a video call it was brilliant to see her!

"Mum uses sign language and lip reading to communicate, so it was wonderful to be able to communicate with her and send her our love.

"For residents to be able to see the familiar faces of their loved ones is very reassuring in these difficult and uncertain times is an invaluable service.

"It’s certainly been our saviour!”

Helen, 79, has been living at Saltwood since January 2019.

She has always looked forward to the daily visits from her daughter, especially since her husband died two years ago, after 55 years of marriage.

Activities coordinator, Amanda French, said the home is making great use of the technology.

'It’s been brilliant to see her online but it’s not quite the same as being there and being able to give her a hug...'

She said: "It’s so important for families to be able to keep in touch with their loved ones and video calls are proving invaluable.

"Seeing that familiar face is comforting for residents, and those that are able to can chat and share news.

“It’s also hugely reassuring for families to be able to see how their relatives are doing, and to know they’re well and looked after in just the same way as always.

“I think we’ll still be using video calls when the doors re-open as they’re perfect for those families who can’t visit so often because they live far away."

Cathy is now looking forward to when she can go back into the care home and visit her mum in person.

She said: "It’s been brilliant to see her online but it’s not quite the same as being there and being able to give her a hug.

"I miss her, but this is the next best thing."

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