Care home surprises residents with a ‘paw-fect ’visit from pooch

Team members at a Windsor care home organised the ulti-mutt visitor for a special resident. 

Mountbatten Grange, on Helston Lane, celebrated National Dog Day by inviting Bichon Frise Cross Shih Tzu, Bella, to surprise dog lover resident, Pat McPhillips. 

 

Pat had wished to see a dog again after missing her son and his dogs who used to visit her every day but now live in America. 

Emily Gardiner, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at Mountbatten Grange surprised Pat with a visit from her 7-year-old dog Bella. 

Pat said: “Dogs are our best friends, they are loving, loyal and give the best comfort with their cuddles. They are family and put a smile on my face every time I see them. 

“It was great to see Bella and I couldn’t stop smiling.” 

Debbie Winwood, Home Manager at Mountbatten Grange, said: “This was such a great experience for Pat. It was wonderful to make her wish come true; the visit created a lot of excitement among all the residents and team members alike. 

“Animal interaction has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for older people, particularly those with dementia, since it helps lower anxiety, create relaxing endorphins, and lessen feelings of loneliness. The residents' reactions demonstrated how interested they were when given the opportunity to be in Bella's company. 

“We look forward more pets of all shapes and sizes in the future as they certainly bring a lot of joy and comfort to everyone at Mountbatten Grange.” 

Mountbatten Grange 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 and palliative care.  

To find out more about Mountbatten Grange, call 0333 220 4064 or email Customer Relations Manager, Tracey Van Zyl, at Tracey.Vanzyl@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/mountbatten-grange.