All the ladies look lovely, hair trimmed and shaped, blow dried or permed. There are lots of smiling faces – through the window

Mum has made some really good friends in the care home. They support each other when they feel down and they celebrate birthdays and family successes together. The staff are truly wonderful and caring. Early on in the crisis they all received a much deserved pay rise. I would like to see care staff everywhere valued, properly trained and properly paid. Here’s hoping. After the children had gone mum and I carried on talking. She told me how relieved she is to be in a supported home rather than in her old flat. She made a wise choice. When I left I saw a sad sight. An elderly gentlemen was calling out to a lady in a wheelchair on an upstairs balcony. I would guess it was his wife. She was terribly distressed and he was unable to go inside and comfort her. We are reduced to talking through windows or calling outdoors or occasional meetings in gardens wearing masks and gowns. All to preserve life?