Meet Milo, Catherine House Care Home’s new, adorable pet therapy dog!
Milo is from Therapy Dogs Nationwide, a national pet therapy charity where volunteers take their own dogs into establishments to provide comfort and stimulation. Milo’s owner, Emma, rescued him from Bath Cats and Dogs Home when he was just 10 weeks old and this new fluffy friend has been spreading joy throughout the care home which is a part of Evolve Care Group and based in Frome, Somerset, since the beginning of the year.
The TDN website explains, ‘ The benefits of Animal Assisted Therapies (AAT) have been extensively studied and results range from improvement in general health and wellbeing, increased confidence levels, improved and controlled movement to improved communication skills. Our work in residential care homes had improved communication in residents and patients by evoking memories and stimulating conversation.’
This has certainly been the case for Catherine House residents, who are affectionately referred to as family members. Kim, a team member at Catherine House, explained how as soon as the family members see Milo coming it’s “smiles all round”, and that they take great joy in spoiling him with treats. She told us about how the beloved Patajack X beagle has sparked conversation all over the home. “One family member, Monica, could not stop laughing at Milo as he was pulling the tissues out from her sleeve, and all around the home both family members and their relatives have been speaking about Milo and making affectionate comments about the little scarf he wears.”
It has also been excellent reminiscence therapy for family members who have previously owned dogs, like Sheila, who commented on how he was a lot smaller than the dog she used to own.
After the huge success of the first two visits, everyone agreed that the family members at Catherine House Care Home would definitely benefit from regular pet therapy. Emma is now due to visit the home every Thursday with everyone’s favourite four-legged friend.
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