BLENHEIM House Care Home in Melksham welcomed a new resident to the home last week – Bailey, a pet therapy dog.
The home reports, “The Blenheim House family are so excited to welcome Bailey. Pet therapy for residents is well researched and well known for many reasons. Bailey will be among other visiting PAT (Pets as Therapy) dogs who visit the residents, although it will take some training and discipline for her to be as well behaved as the current team.
“By an overwhelming majority the residents at Blenheim House Care Home have decided to name their new baby French bulldog, Bailey, after a very well-loved friend of the Melksham community here at Blenheim whose memory will live on for many years.
Bailey will live at Blenheim during the week and take part in the daily activities with the residents across the home, she will not be at Blenheim during weekends or at night.
“Although the overwhelming majority of people are happy with the arrival of Bailey, we respect the view of all, so for those few people who do not wish to be involved, we will be ensuring that she doesn’t make any contact with them.
“Her little legs will take regular short walks, she will have a full schedule of cuddle and fuss one-to-one, and of course the staff will have to create a waiting list!
“The clinical team have prepared a full care plan for Bailey, to ensure she has everything she needs. She has already been signed up to a vets by her current owners, who happen to be ex-employees and friends of Blenheim House.”
About the practice of using pets as therapy, Lori Palley, DVM, of the MGH Center for Comparative Medicine says, “Pets hold a special place in many people’s hearts and lives, and there is compelling evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that interacting with pets can be beneficial to the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of humans.
“Several previous studies have found that levels of neurohormones like oxytocin – which is involved in pair-bonding and maternal attachment – rise after interaction with pets, and new brain imaging technologies are helping us begin to understand the neurobiological basis of the relationship, which is exciting.”
More details of Lori’s research and report can be accessed by looking at www.alzheimersreading room.com
As Bailey settles in to her new home, Blenheim House is getting ready for the up and coming Dementia Active Week UK, starting on 20th May, and their Open Day on Saturday 25th May. See full details on page 14.
However, staff are always happy to welcome visitors to stop by and say hello, if they wish to have a look at the facilities at Blenheim House.
Pictured: Shirley, left and Kath with Bailey.
