A Hertfordshire care home has paired its residents with a group of adorable toddlers to celebrate World Nursery Rhyme Week – in a bid to rekindle natural paternal bonds and evoke happy memories of old.
Foxholes Care Home, near Hitchin, recently invited several mothers to join the Hertfordshire home in an afternoon of sing-a-longs and fun. During the visit, residents took turns to hold, cuddle and sing nursery rhymes to the toddlers to enable them to reminisce about parenthood – recollecting fond memories of them singing to their own children years ago.
84-year-old resident Shirley Dyble, said:
“It was so lovely getting the opportunity to relive some of the meaningful experiences I haven’t had since I was a parent. With everything going on in the world it’s easy to get caught up in life, so it’s important to occasionally allow yourself to reminisce and enjoy the happier moments of yesteryear.”
Numerous studies have found that babies and younger children can greatly benefit older people, with intergenerational care reducing depression, increasing mobility and fostering better communication and language.
The day was coordinated by Foxholes’ Head of Engagement, Adele Querelle, who notes:
“I consider every resident of Foxholes an extended family member, so it’s only natural that as a mother, I’d want to involve them during the most memorable and meaningful aspects of parenthood. It was such a nice day for the residents to look forward to as intergenerational relationships are equally as important for children, too, so we saw this opportunity as a no-brainer.”
Neil Gandecha, Estate Manager at Foxholes Care Home, said that “The day was an overwhelming success and we’re looking forward to getting everyone together again in the New Year as we look to continue the success of our Foxcubs initiative.”
