“Three weeks of peace” whispered a mother to her child. Welcome to the Louise-Schroeder-Haus a haven nestled on the tranquil Wattseite of Sylt.
The Louise-Schroeder-Haus is more than just a building. It’s a legacy. A testament to the vision of those who founded it in 1951. A place where mothers and children find solace and healing. It’s the first mother-child sanatorium built by the AWO. Its original purpose was threefold: an old people’s home a training center for young women and a pioneering mother-child rehabilitation center.
Imagine a time before private bathrooms. Werner Bassius a long-time employee recalls earlier days. The Louise-Schroeder-Haus initially housed pigs and chickens for self-sufficiency. Potatoes were stored in a cellar. Guests shared bathrooms. This was the reality in the early days.
The Louise-Schroeder-Haus has undergone significant transformations. The initial reed-covered building expanded. A major renovation in the late 1960s transformed it exclusively into a mother-child sanatorium. A further five million mark renovation in 1986 upgraded every room with a private bathroom. The final renovation in 2004 created spacious two-room apartments ideal for mothers and their children.
Today the Louise-Schroeder-Haus provides respite for 38 mothers and up to 70 children. It offers comprehensive services. These range from medical care and physiotherapy to psychological support and educational activities. Children can attend a youth club or borrow books from the library. The spacious grounds boast a large lawn. There are even beach chairs for relaxing. The proximity to the Wadden Sea adds to the idyllic setting.
The medical and therapeutic team is vast. It includes specialists in internal medicine general medicine pediatrics and psychology. The holistic approach includes various therapies. These therapies cover autogenic training relaxation techniques massage and even creative arts like pottery and painting. Nutritional counseling and cooking classes are also available.
The Louise-Schroeder-Haus stands as a beacon of hope. It offers a chance to rebuild strength and restore well-being. Its history is woven with the stories of countless mothers and children. They have found comfort and support within its walls. More than just a building the Louise-Schroeder-Haus is a symbol of resilience and recovery. It is a testament to the enduring commitment to supporting families.