Runwood Homes explore the benefits of pet therapy across their care homes

Over the years, the Runwood Homes’ team have continued to find and discover new ways to bring meaningful animal interaction to residents in care homes. Encouraging connections with visiting furry friends has many benefits for those in care, especially for those living with dementia.

This month, Runwood Homes’ dignity theme; ‘Four-legged friends – We are all animal lovers’ introduces yet another innovative way to explore the benefits of animals in care homes.

The residents at Low Furlong care home, in Shipston-On-Stour, love their regular visits from their furry friends. On Saturday 30^th of July, the team at Low Furlong invited the stars of Mila’s trust dog show to the home for the residents to meet them. The residents absolutely loved playing in the garden with their guests, which included sixteen Bedlington Terriers.

On Sunday, the team and residents at Low Furlong attended the Mila’s Trust Dog Show, where they had their own stall selling crafts handmade by residents. It was a lovely day out, and residents enjoyed watching the judging of the dogs. Low Furlong’s Deputy Manager, Amie Parton, brought along her dogs to the show, who even sported a personalised Low Furlong bandana.

Leanne Braham, Home Manager at Low Furlong comments:

“Being around animals is something that everyone – residents and team members – love at Low Furlong. It really lifts the mood and brings lots of excitement, smiles and happiness. The dog show was a perfect way to spend the weekend, and we would like to say a big well done and thank you to the team at ‘Mila’s Funday’ for all their hard work.”

Director of Wellbeing and Dementia Services, Paul Gaskell, is passionate about the positivity that animals and pets can bring to residents. When visiting homes, Paul often brings along his dog, Beau, much to residents’ delight. Beau has been visiting Low Furlong care home since he was a puppy, and both residents and team members have a very close bond to him and are always very excited to see him. 

Many homes across the Runwood Homes portfolio have their own pets too - including cats, dogs, rabbits and chickens - so those within the home can always enjoy the company and companionship of an animal friend.