Thorrington care home hires canine relations manager

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

Hercules, a four-year-old mixed-breed Labrador, has joined the team at Care UK’s Silversprings, on Tenpenny Hill. He will oversee ‘canine relations’ at the home and be on hand for residents to fuss, walk, or simply spend time with on a regular basis.

The home created the part-time role after being inspired by the positive impact animal visits have had on care home residents’ wellbeing. 

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

The friendly pooch has even developed his own management style, taking tours of the home and checking in on everyone – as well as helping to bring back happy memories of pets in younger years for many residents. 

86-year-old Patricia Thorington, a resident at Silversprings, said: “I had dogs and cats when I was younger, and I just love animals. I love it when Herc comes to visit, he is so happy but so calm and loving. He is lucky to have Lisa as his owner and he is so well trained. He has the best of everything now.”

Joanne Rix, Home Manager at Silversprings, said: “We spotted other Care UK homes have appointed their own Canine Relations Manager and just knew we had to give Hercules the official title here at Silversprings.

“Animals have a wonderful way of promoting wellbeing and can have many amazing benefits for older people, increasing mood and social interaction. It’s always a good day when Hercules is in the home – for both the team and residents – and residents always have lots of lovely stories to share from their own childhood pets.

“We’re thrilled to be recognising the positive impact Hercules has had here at Silversprings – the home simply wouldn’t be the same without him!”

Silversprings is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own hair salon.