Residents at HC-One’s Adelaide House in Walton-on-Thames have been enjoying weekly visits from a beautiful three-month-old baby boy, Jehan Feldhus-O’Connell and his mother, Katrin Feldhus.
Jehan visits have become a very popular event within Adelaide House, everyone loves having a cuddle and getting to see him grow every week. During the visits, Residents have started to share happy memories of raising their own children and grandchildren.
The visits are part of a pilot for a new drop-in at Adelaide House for mothers and their babies in the local area to come and spend time with Residents. The drop-in sessions intend to create strong intergenerational bonds, as well as providing a chance for mothers to socialise and relax.
Katrin Feldhus, Jehan’s mother said:
“In Northern Germany where I come from, it is very normal for babies and young children to visit like this, it’s good for everyone and helps young children to develop their social skills.”
Russel O’Connell, Jehan’s father and Adelaide House Wellbeing Coordinator said:
“Visits like this are very important to our Residents. As well as helping to maintain community bonds, spending time with young children and animals just makes us feel better.
“It also provides a good foundation to develop children socially and helps prevent the mothers of young children from becoming socially isolated.”
Adelaide House Home Manager, Tracy Lazell commented:
“It’s so lovely to see Residents face’s light up when Jehan visits. We hope to welcome more mothers and young children from the local community to get to know our wonderful Residents in the near future.”