A group of kind-hearted new mums have brought joy to residents at Prince Michael of Kent Court care home in Watford by bringing their babies to visit.
The partnership is the brainchild of home manager Beverley Roberts, activity coordinator Sandra Wotton and her daughter, Nicola, who has recently become a new mum.
Nicola got together a group of mum friends and explained about the potential mutual benefits for them and residents at the Home if they were to set up regular visits.
Research has shown that for older people, engaging with babies and young children can help to increase wellbeing and reduce loneliness and depression.
The benefits for young children are also increasingly being recognised.
Childcare providers report increased confidence and less anxiety and better communication skills.
Sandra said: “Our residents can’t wait for the babies to visit so they can have a cuddle and spend time chatting to the mums. The benefits of holding a baby for some of our ladies is hard to describe, they have a such a soothing and calming effect. It’s proved to be especially therapeutic for our residents who have dementia.”
“The mums have been so kind and really open to learning about people with dementia. They and their babies have brought a real energy to the Home.”
One resident who was especially delighted by the visit was Jill Holbrook (pictured).
She said: “Being a mother to my two sons was a wonderful feeling and seeing these babies brings it all back to me, being able to hold a baby again brings a lot of happiness to us here.”
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