Bartlett’s Residential Home – Annual Dog Show with Paws PT at Peverel court care

Why?

Here at Peverel Court Care, we regularly arrange exciting activities for our residents to help improve their social, emotional, and physical health. This gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with new faces. Having the chance to socialise can help to improve social skills and behaviours, and reduce the feelings of loneliness.

Making invaluable connections and partnerships with organisations, such as Paws PT, helps to enrich the lives of those residing with us, many of those living with dementia. Interaction with animals has well-documented benefits to older people mentally, emotionally, and physically, by improving emotional, social, and cognitive abilities.

Having a meaningful life with strong relationships and purposeful activity is a central part of an individual’s identity. As people become more vulnerable and increasingly reliant on others it is vital that meaningful activity is supported in a way that helps them stay well and feel more satisfied with life, taking account of their personality and their history. Such activities are particularly important in a care home setting where residents have moved out of their familiar home environment, and can quickly lose their sense of identity and self-esteem, and become depressed.

Who?

Based on the grounds of Bartlett’s Residential Home, Paws PT provide a friendly and reliable dog training service to meet the needs of both the client and their dogs.

https://www.facebook.com/pawspt.co.uk/

Outcome

It was a wonderful day, there were so many lovely dogs entered in each category and we were delighted to have Jen and Helen from Paws PT join us to act as judge.

Residents and staff alike were fascinated by the dogs, who were using the gardens as their playground. Many were eager to ask the owners about the age and names of the dogs, and what their favourite treats and toys are! It was a great opportunity to learn more about the different breeds and their personalities. Residents could not believe how well the dogs performed during each category such as “Best Trick” and Dog Walk” and enjoyed their role in choosing the “Best in Show!” One pup helped themself to a prize toy, which our residents found very amusing!

We were blown away by the popularity of this event and we were delighted to welcome so many of our residents’ loved ones and their four-legged friends.

We know how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood and stimulate social interaction. Many residents used to have dogs, so they were thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of our judging panel and to meet so many adorable dogs.

Testimonials

Resident – Barbara W:

What did you think of the event? – “I really enjoyed it thank you, it was great to have my daughter and her dog visit. They won multiple prizes!” [laughing]

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes of course, it was a lovely event that brough everyone together. And we were lucky with the great weather, too!”

Resident – Anne T:

What did you think of the event? “It was fabulous, I loved meeting all the dogs. They were all very clever – I was impressed!”

Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, most definitely, it is lovely to have animals at the home. I used to have dogs, so it is nice to have them visit.”