Since February the residents at Rendlesham Care Centre in Rendlesham have welcomed pets to their home on a monthly basis. The wellbeing team contacted Pets as Therapy who then support by finding people in the local area who have registered therapy animals who are happy to come into the home to visit, this was put in place as a number of residents commented how they missed having pets and it’s proven that animals can help to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and the sense of loneliness and that they have a positive impact on mood and social engagement so this partnership made sense.
Following the home reaching out Heather with her dog Darcie got in contact, followed by Ricky with his dog Scout. They now come monthly to visit spending time in all the units of the home, meeting the residents so everyone benefits. The smiles on residents’ faces are so heartwarming and the dogs bring so much joy, happiness and sense of calmness too. Ricky and Heather are fantastic as well as they spend so much time with our residents, getting to know them, speaking to them and reminiscing about their own pets as well. They have become part of the family at Rendlesham and everyone looks forward to their visits every month
Scout’s owner Ricky commented on the visits “It was the care home that inspired him to train Scout as a therapy dog, and he felt she would really benefit our residents as well as the community. She has a lovely temperament, loves to be fussed over and just loves people.
Rendlesham Care Centre provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care on a short term and permanent basis. For more information, please call 01394 331 970.
