Care homes all over the country have suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, the rest of the country begins to enjoy the restrictions being lifted. We are able to mix with 6 other people outdoors, or 2 households, we can visit pubs and shopping centres are open again. One would think, given the vast majority of change here, if I want to bring my son home now to spend a long-awaited visit and to finally be close with family and friends again (after over a year!!) this can surely happen for us too?

Although, yes he can come home, government guidance/PHE both state, residents who leave the home, have to isolate for 14 days on their return! 

Why? Why can't my son come home when most people are vaccinated now? And the lateral flow testing is in use regularly for staff and residents. My son poses no more of a risk than his staff - who are regular staff - and many agency staff too, all of which only get tested twice weekly, majority vaccinated and more worryingly are out and about in the community too!!! How are they able to go to work and look after my son, but my son must remain isolated for two whole weeks?

How is this fair or equal? How does this make any sense? To let my son come home now is fantastic, but to then keep him cooped up like some sort of animal in his room, for 14 days afterwards, is inhumane and discriminatory. 

Not to mention the detrimental effect it is having on his mental health and wellbeing, as well as that of his family and friends.

I cannot and will not wait for weeks and weeks and sit and watch everyone else go about their lives in a free manner, whilst my son is not able to and continues to suffer in silence.

I want to be able to kiss and cuddle him when I want, in private too, not behind a screen or in a room in a care home. I want aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to be with Jake like we used to.

To the trolls out there, who have questioned my choices, methods, questioned why he is there in the first place-my answer is simple for you. I’m Jake’s ONLY parent who is able to safeguard, finance and care for him in a way that he more than deserves. When it comes to you/or your loved one getting old or ill and you no longer can care for yourself or them (and that day will come, I promise you) let’s see what your opinion is then and how people will judge and question you, whilst you strive for a better outcome.

I have fought long and hard for my son and will continue to advocate and protect him from the ugly discrimination out there, because it’s my god given right to - I’m his mum! And he is my hero. 

Please help Jake and many others in care homes as well as their families, change this ridiculous sanction that is still in place. I am asking for this to be brought to the Secretary of State Matt Hancock, with the plan for it to be discussed at House of Commons/Parliament, and for it to be removed from the care home guidance immediately, or at least allow care homes and families to make an informed decision, in the best interests of their own family member.