Delightful dogs help with care home dementia at Colne House in Earls Colne

A CARE home’s latest recruit is hoping to get a pawsitive response in her efforts to help residents suffering from dementia.   Cockapoo Lottie is just four months old, but is already getting to work helping residents at Colne House in Earls Colne. Lottie and older sister Ruby are both care home dogs owned by its maintenance man Tom Goodair. Mr. Goodair said the pawesome duo had made a big impression on everyone at the home – with the exception of resident cat Daisy. He added: “Their eyes just lit up and they loved to make a fuss of her [Ruby].”

Manager Amanda Schofield said research had shown the therapeutic benefits of animals could have a calming effect on people with dementia as well as lowering blood pressure. Other benefits include helping combat anxiety and depression. She said: “When you conjure up a picture of a care home you would not normally imagine one with dogs scampering about. “But why not? It can be a real wrench for people used to pets all their life when the time comes for them to move into care and they are deprived of their canine companionship. “It creates a real sense of home if there are dogs around.  

“Residents are able to interact with them and stroke them, which works well for people living with dementia who are able to reminisce about pets that they have had. Tom’s dogs have made a tremendous impact.”