Elderly couple living in different care homes finally reunited after their photo went viral

This is the heartwarming moment an elderly couple were reunited after being forced to live apart for more than eight months in different care facilities.

Wolfram and Anita Gottschalk have been married for 62 years but were separated in August.

An image that showed the couple’s tearful goodbye following a visit went viral after it was posted by their granddaughter, Ashley Bartyik.

Wolfram, who is 83 and has dementia, has been living at the Yale Road Centre in North Surrey, Canada, a 30-minute drive from his home.

In July, Anita, 81, moved into Morgan Heights, a different assisted living facility, requiring different medical support to her husband.

The separation was put down to a backlog in the health care system.

The image of the couple’s tearful goodbye that originally went viral (Ashley Bartyik/Facebook)

However, after their plight received international attention, Wolfram has now been moved to Morgan Heights to join Anita, prompting joyous scenes.

On Facebook, Bartyik shared images and the video, which shows the tearful couple embracing.

She wrote: “[On] Thursday our family joyfully witnessed the reunification of Wolfram and Anita Gottschalk. Wolfram has finally been moved to the same facility as Anita at the residence at Morgan Heights.

“The reunion saw tears of joy for all involved. They can now be under the same roof for their remaining years, and we couldn’t be more grateful. They would like to thank Fraser Health for this reunion, and also the media for helping to get their story heard.

Wolfram and Anita Gottschalk reunited (Ashley Bartyik/Facebook)

“They also wish to thank everyone around the world that liked, shared, or discussed their story. We thank you for your continued prayers and messages we have received.

“Although they are now reunited, the story isn’t over for other BC couples waiting to be together, and our family will continue to advocate for those families as well. SUCCESS!”