Colleagues at HC-One’s
Market Lavington care home, in Devizes, encourage interactions between Residents and animals as they have witnessed so many positive experiences in the past, so when the opportunity came to invite ‘Moose’ to the home, everyone jumped at the chance!
‘Pets As Therapy’ (PAT) is a non-profit organisation who provide a service to many different communities with volunteers around the UK giving their own time to enhance the wellbeing of thousands of people. Interacting with a friendly pet has been seen to have many positive effects on both physical and mental health, including reducing blood pressure, alleviating stress and boosting confidence.
Local PAT volunteer, Jacqui Reason, visited the care home on 27th February and brought with her a beautiful blonde Cockapoo named ‘Moose’. Moose has been part of the PAT charity since she was nearly two years old and enjoys going round the local schools, hospitals and care homes, bringing a smile to all who see her.
Moose was certainly a hit at the 80-bed residential, nursing and dementia care home with so many smiles and genuine happiness that could be seen on Residents’ faces.
Jacqui and Moose were supported by Wellbeing Coordinator Michaela Powell, where they were taken round to Residents within the home, being introduced to them. Residents were delighted to see Moose and being able to have cuddles with her. Moose was even invited to sit on Residents’ laps and given treats for being such a kind and gentle lady.
Julia Bradley commented,
“I can’t believe she is sat on my lap so well, I’m in heaven, can she stay here with me?”
Fellow Resident Sheila Prince said,
“I can’t believe how good you are, shall we give you a treat?”
Michaela commented,
“It’s so rewarding and heart-warming to be able to share the Residents’ joy when spending time with Moose, it bought tears to my eyes to see how happy they were and the smile on their faces makes me feel so lucky to have the job I have here at Market Lavington.”
The visit also sparked lots of reminiscence. Most of the Residents who live at Market Lavington have had dogs in the past, whether throughout childhood or within their own home before coming to stay at the care home. Therefore, they were particularly enthusiastic about the visit, and many said how much they value the companionship and friendship of a dog.
After spending time with Residents in their rooms, Jacqui and Moose popped in to see a group of Residents enjoying an activity being hosted by Wellbeing Coordinator Riaz Ali. Everyone was very happy to see Moose.
One of the home’s newer Residents, Sylvia ‘Pearl’ O’Connell, really benefitted from being able to spend time with a PAT dog. Sylvia had always owned dogs and unfortunately had to give hers up recently, but Moose allowed Sylvia to take her for a short walk down the corridors, which Sylvia was overjoyed about. It was a very emotional experience and one that Sylvia will remember for a long time to come.
Michaela added,
“We are hoping to be able to organise regular visits from Jacqui and Moose, who are always welcome at the home. Moose is a very kind, gentle and obedient little girl who has spent her life bringing happiness and joy to so many.”
“Pets As Therapy is such a kind and generous service that their volunteers provide to people across the UK. Thank you”