Phoebe brings some doggy love to home residents
A Quorn care home has officially welcomed a new team member – and she’s set to be a hit with residents and colleagues alike.
The adorable Phoebe, a Dachshund, has joined the team at Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, in Farley Way, as ‘Head of Happiness’ – her duties include being on hand for residents to fuss, walk, or simply spend time with.
Having a dog in the care home not only encourages residents to spend time outdoors, walking their canine companion, leading to physical benefits, but taking care of Phoebe can also help them find a sense of purpose later in life.
Despite being new to the role, seven-month-old Phoebe has impressed everyone with her ability to work alongside her owner, Home Manager Toby Sturgess, and instantly brighten the room whenever she walks in. Phoebe, who visits the home every day, has even developed her own management style, taking walkabout tours of the home and checking in on everyone – as well as bringing back happy memories of pets in younger years for many residents.
Resident Pat said: “I love having Phoebe around and having personal contact with a dog again. Being able to fuss and stroke her brings back memories of owing dogs myself from the age of 13 and into my 70s. I used to volunteer at a dog rescue centre in the 80s and often took home the dogs which were more difficult to re-home”.
To b y said: “We have seen other Care UK homes appoint their own canine colleagues and we knew that we had found the perfect one to take up the role at Lonsdale Mews. She can often be found being fussed over by a resident – the home simply wouldn’t be the same without her.
“Studies have shown that introducing dogs into care homes can help lift people’s mood and increase social interaction. The human-animal bond is powerful in promoting selfesteem and wellbeing, and ‘Heads of Happiness’ like Phoebe, are brilliant at doing this.” Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.
To find out more about Lonsdale Mews, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jenny Cartwright, on 01509 801 587, or email jenny.cartwright@careuk.com
For more general information, please visit careuk.com/lonsdalemews
“I love having Phoebe around and having personal contact with a dog again. Being able to fuss and stroke her brings back memories of owing dogs myself