At Bagshot Gardens Care Home, something extraordinary happened that brightened the lives of residents and staff alike.
A baby born unexpectedly in the care home's car park returned for a special reunion, creating a heartwarming success story.
Newborn Louis Illsley made quite an entrance into the world, born on the 28th of August after his parents, Jess Hannam and Joe Illsley, had to pull into the care home car park when Jess started to experience intense contractions.
The care home staff sprang into action, offering towels, blankets, and support as Joe delivered baby Louis, with guidance from a 999 operator. Bagshot Gardens is part of the Avery group of care homes and his grateful parents decided to give Louis the middle name ‘Avery’ to honour the care home's role in his birth.
A few weeks later, the family returned to Bagshot Gardens to thank the residents and staff for their role in Louis' safe arrival. The reunion wasn’t just a special moment for the family, it became a joyful experience for the residents, many of whom are nearing 100 years old. Seeing little Louis, less than 100 days old, brought a sense of connection and purpose to those who recalled the event of his birth and who now welcomed him back.
The couple surprised staff and residents with a box of goodies as a gesture of gratitude and in return, the care home presented the family with a baby hamper, including a personalised baby grow embroidered with “Avery”.
Susan Bedford, Care Assistant at Bagshot Gardens Care Home, was one of the first to assist Joe in delivering his son. She said, “Meeting the baby was very emotional. We have residents here who are nearly 100 years old, and then there’s baby Louis, who isn’t even 100 days old yet. It really makes you realise how precious life is. I’m glad to see that they’re all doing well, and that baby Louis is healthy.”
This story highlights the incredible impact that life events like these can have on residents. It's a reminder that the most unexpected moments can bring communities together and spark joy. Residents cooed and cuddled him during the reunion, and one resident, Betty, was especially touched when Louis wrapped his tiny hand around hers.
For the residents, this event wasn’t just a one-off, it became a part of their life story, something meaningful they could share with each other and their families. It created a buzz of excitement and a sense of involvement in a family’s special moment, lifting spirits and offering a unique connection between the young and old.
Care homes aren’t just about providing day-to-day care; they’re also places where residents can experience life in all its forms, from birth to old age. Encouraging these types of interactions and moments can make a real difference in residents' wellbeing, offering them a sense of purpose and joy.
Stories like this, can give residents an opportunity to relive heartwarming moments, strengthen their sense of belonging, and foster connections within the community.
This beautiful success story at Bagshot Gardens shows how even the most unexpected events can leave lasting positive impacts on residents, boosting their spirits and enriching their lives.
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