‘Round of a-paws’ as local care home hires canine relations manager

Home news

Jun 20, 2021

An Orpington care home has officially welcomed a new team member – and he’s set to be a paw-some hit with residents and colleagues alike. 

Old Tyme English Bulldog Reggie has joined the team at Care UK’s Foxbridge House, on Sevenoaks Road. He will oversee ‘canine relations’ at the home and be on hand for residents to fuss, walk, or simply spend time with.

The home created the full-time role after being inspired by the positive impact animal visits have had on care home residents’ wellbeing and on hearing how much residents missed these due to restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Having a dog to take care of in the home not only encourages residents to spend time outdoors walking their canine companion, leading to physical benefits, but it also helps them find a sense of purpose later in life.

Reggie is an affectionate dog that loves performing tricks for the residents – in exchange for treats of course. He also likes to sit in on new team members interviews to ensure that that they will love the residents as much as he does.

Doreen, a resident at the home, said: “Reggie is adorable, and I look forward to seeing him every day; I particularly enjoy sharing biscuits with him!”

Now four months old, Reggie has been given the official title of ‘canine relations manager’, spending most of his time with residents, as well as helping the domestic team by picking up any rogue crumbs on the floor.

Stella Barnes, Home Manager at Foxbridge House, explained the benefits of pet therapy: “We have seen other Care UK homes appoint their own canine relations managers and we knew that we had found the paw-fect dog to take up the role at Foxbridge House. He can often be found cuddled up next to a resident in the cinema room – the home wouldn’t be the same without him.

“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 self-esteem and wellbeing, and canine relations managers like Reggie, are brilliant at doing this.”

Foxbridge House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.  

For more information about Foxbridge House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Dorothy Ayonmike, on 01689 769 229, or email dorothy.ayonmike@careuk.com

For more general information on Foxbridge House, please visit careuk.com/foxbridge-house