Devoted wife surprises dementia-stricken husband by moving into his care home after a month apart

Watch: Devoted wife surprises husband with dementia in care home after month apart

This is the heartwarming moment a pensioner with dementia broke down in tears after his devoted wife moved into his care home after a month apart because she “can't live without him”.

Kenneth Meredith, 96, walked through the door with his walking frame and broke down in tears when he saw wife Betty Meredith, 91, sitting down in front of him.

Seconds later he rushes over to his wife of 71 years, who is seen sitting at a table for a makeshift date night, decorated with heart shaped balloons and roses.

With The Platters' 1954 hit Only You, playing in the background, the couple share a long hug after spending five weeks apart.

The pair were heartbroken after Kenneth moved into Bourn View Care Home, Birmingham, five weeks ago due to his worsening battle with Alzheimer's.

Due to strict rules, he couldn't see wife Betty, who he has been with for 76 years.

And with no sign the coronavirus pandemic was lifting, lonely Betty asked if she could be moved into the care home because she could no longer be apart from her husband.

Kenneth had no idea that Betty had moved into the floor below as she waited for her COVID-19 test results – but would continue to phone him for their daily chats.

Once her results came back negative, Betty and staff helped arrange the surprise for Kenneth on 10 November – five days after the second national lockdown in England started.

Care worker Rosie Boshell, 24, who helped decorate and set up the surprise said: "They couldn't cope without each other any longer.

"Kenneth was emotional everyday and missed her so much. He would cry daily to us.

"Betty moved in and had to isolate and Ken had no idea Betty was downstairs on another unit!

"She would ring Ken everyday and he never had a clue.”

After the pair’s emotional reunion, Betty took Ken to show him their new room that they would be sharing together.

Boshell added: "Every time I went to see them they were just smiling. They're just so happy…

"There was not one dry eye as the staff cheered and celebrated the wonderful couple's reunion.

"They've been married 71 years, together for 76 and have never had an argument. Talk about couple goals!"

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