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

Solihull may seem a little quieter in the evenings after residents from a local 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 Blossomfield Grange, on Worcester Way, 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 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 Blossomfield Grange included resident, Barbara Cooper, 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.”

Anne Gaffney, General Manager at Blossomfield Grange, added: “Intergenerational activities are a huge part of life here at Blossomfield Grange. It was fantastic to be joined by Solihull’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 Solihull’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.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Blossomfield Grange, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Blossomfield Grange, contact Director of Community Relations at Blossomfield Grange, Jo Hopkins, on 0121 392 7833 or email Jo.Hopkins@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/blossomfield-grange.