Care homes celebrate therapeutic value of dogs
The care home says Geraldine always brings a smile to residents' faces.
A group of care homes has marked International Dog Day (Monday, 26 August) by sharing how dogs have helped its residents and staff.
HC-One Care Homes, which manages care homes across the UK, invites certain dogs for visits into its care homes and has seen the therapeutic effect it has had on residents and staff.
The group’s Coventry-based care home, Victoria Mews, is frequently visited by one-year-old Shorkie (Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier) Geraldine. Geraldine attends the care home with her owner, Victoria Mews home manager Michael David.
Geraldine has been visiting the care home since she was 10 weeks old and has quickly become relaxed in her role.
The care home says that Geraldine enjoys interacting with the residents that give her attention. It says that she appears to know when people are upset and is soon able to bring a smile to their faces.
Many of Victoria Mews’ residents had previously owned dogs, so spending time with Geraldine also brings back memories of their past experiences. She even has a fan club among the residents’ relatives, who knit her bows and little hats.
Janis Baylis, a resident at the care home, said: “I miss my dog and when I moved into a care home before here, I had to rehome my dog. Seeing Geraldine makes me think of my dog and brings back happy memories.”
HC-One Care Homes states that it believes dogs in care homes can offer many benefits to elderly residents. It suggests that the presence of dogs improves wellbeing, provides companionship and facilitates social interactions. It has also made an impact on the wellbeing of its staff.
The group has similar initiatives in its care homes in Birmingham, Pontefract and Blacon.
Mr David said: “My Geraldine attends the home regularly. Geraldine has impacted so much on residents’ wellbeing, This could just be dog therapy or just playing with a ball in the lounge.
“Geraldine has also impacted our colleague wellbeing. When staff are feeling stressed or low, they will often take five minutes out with the dog, and this picks them back up.”
Images © HC-One Care Homes
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
