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

Buckingham 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 Maids Moreton Hall, on Church Street, 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, the home welcomed baby Ada Grace, the daughter of team member, Ellen Lines, who became a new mother in April. Resident Jean Lobley, who became a new parent to a daughter back in 1961, shared her tips and tricks on how to soothe crying babies to sleep, wind newborns and change nappies in record speed.

Jean said: “As a new parent, it’s easy to doubt yourself, but you have to believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for advice when needed. Always try and use your own judgment as nobody knows a baby better than its mother.”

As well as practical baby tips, Jean and Ellen also shared a conversation about how the role of motherhood has changed throughout the decades. Jean praised the information that is available to new parents today, noting that when she was pregnant back in 1961, there was no advice on what foods to avoid, you often had to rely on your own judgment. 

Ina Almasan, General Manager at Maids Moreton Hall, added: “Intergenerational activities are a huge part of life here at Maids Moreton Hall. It was fantastic to welcome baby Ada to the home and heartwarming to see Jean and Ellen talking about how being a mother changes you. 

“While much has have changed in the years since the Jean was a first-time parent, 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.   

“Jean and Ellen really enjoyed taking part in the special session and we’re sure Jean’s advice has given Ellen 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, Maids Moreton incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Maids Moreton Hall, please call Home Admissions Advisor, Andrea Bullen on 01280878570, email Andrea.Bullen@careuk.com  or visit: careuk.com/maids-moreton-hall.