"I love to see them all."That's what Maureen Jacotine,86,repeated when she saw her family of 11 - spread out from Hawaii to Sydney and Melbourne - using video call technology being trialled at Uniting's Aldersgate aged care facility.
Soon the tears began. All real. None virtual. Many more are expected to flow over Easter. The families of 20 of 51 residents at the Lilyfield facility in Sydney's inner west,which has been in lockdown for nearly three weeks,have already booked in video chats this Easter.
![Maureen Jacotine,86,was overjoyed when she saw her family for the first time in weeks using new technology being trialled at Uniting Aldersgate in Lilyfield,she kept on repeating,"I love to see them all."](https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_300%2C$height_150/t_crop_auto/t_sharpen%2Cq_auto%2Cf_auto/afc0c237a84b4e6c15a23e00ffb9ec37d6a66e73)
Maureen Jacotine,86,was overjoyed when she saw her family for the first time in weeks using new technology being trialled at Uniting Aldersgate in Lilyfield,she kept on repeating,"I love to see them all."Supplied
This Easter families are being urged to visit relatives - virtually. The National Mental Health Commissioner Christine Morgan recommended families keep in contact using technology,stressing video chat is a more powerful way of connecting with people who are lonely or isolated than texting or telephoning.
Critics say too few nursing homes are moving quickly enough to devise ways for residents to see or talk to their families during what could be a long lockdown.
Announcing restrictions on nursing home visits last month,the Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged they were going to be difficult for families. Many have gone into complete lockdown.
Read more