Baby steps – local care home residents stop new parents going ‘goo-goo-gaga’ with pearls of wisdom

North London may seem a little quieter in the evenings after residents from an Enfield care home shared their best advice for parenting new-borns with local mums as part of a nationwide campaign. 

Having been there and got the – messy – t-shirt, residents from Care UK’s Elizabeth Lodge, in Enfield, shared their parenting advice in the home’s newly created wisdom booth. 

The Wisdom Booths initiative sees Care UK homes across the UK share their advice with younger generations after a national survey found 88% of people nationwide are grateful for what they’ve been told by their elders and 56% will always rely on them for advice, regardless of how old they are.

As part of the campaign, team members welcomed young families who are still in the infancy of motherhood and fatherhood, to gain advice on being a new parent. Residents shared their life experiences with the audience as well as tips and tricks on how to soothe crying babies to sleep, wind newborns and change nappies in record speed.

The pearls of wisdom at Elizabeth Lodge included 94year-old resident, Diana Davies, who said: “Take time with your newborn and enjoy every moment – even the sleepless nights! They will stop, although they’ll start up again when the teething starts. Children grow up so quickly and bring so much joy into your life so cherish every moment.”

 

Michelle Sampang, Home Manager at Elizabeth Lodge, added: “Intergenerational activities are a huge part of life here at Elizabeth Lodge. It was fantastic to be joined by Enfield’s newest parents to have a discussion on parenting and provide valuable advice from those who have been there and raised their own families.

“We understand the importance of taking part in reminiscence activities and the advice session presented residents with a real sense of purpose by using their memories to offer guidance to new parents. While much will have changed in the years since the residents were first-time parents, somethings never do, like spending time together, singing and reading to your baby, and most importantly – cuddling them every day regardless of how big they grow. 

“Everyone really enjoyed taking part in the special session and we hope the residents’ advice has given Enfield’s new parents food for thought and a better night’s sleep!”

For more information about Care UK’s Wisdom Booths initiative, visit: careuk.com/wisdom-booths.

Elizabeth Lodge is an elegant, purpose-designed care home which provides personalised residential, nursing and respite care for older people, as well as dementia care and compassionate end-of-life care. To ensure that every day is different and enjoyable each resident has a care plan that’s tailored to their unique needs, interests and choices. The home has an extensive activity programme including a gardening club, arts and crafts, cooking and themed events.

For more information about Elizabeth Lodge, contact Customer Relations Manager, Jaime Stubberfield on 0333 4343 024, email Jaime.Stubberfield@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/elizabeth-lodge.