Back from ‘fur’ lough – Stansted care home sees return of much loved four-legged friend

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Apr 15, 2021

A Stansted care home was delighted to be reunited with a very special visitor after a year apart.

Residents were thrilled to hear the sound of barking once again when schnoodle, Maisie, returned to Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, on Coltsfield, after a year long hiatus.

Inspired by the positive impact animal visits have on care home resident’s wellbeing and independence, Maisie was a regular face at the home prior to the pandemic, where she took on the voluntary role of resident companion, lover of fuss and leader of walks.

Due to restrictions, animals have been unable to visit the home for the last year, and so residents and team members were delighted to hear the surprise sound of paw-steps as she made her long-awaited return to Mountfitchet House last week.

Jane Maxwell, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, explained the benefits of pet therapy: “Studies have shown that introducing dogs into care homes can help lift people’s mood and increase social interaction, which is something we’ve seen for ourselves at Mountfitchet House.

“Having a dog in the home not only encourages residents to spend time outdoors walking and playing with their canine companion, but it also helps them find a sense of purpose and gives them a sense of responsibility later in life.

“Maisie is a much-loved member of the Mountfitchet House family, and she has been greatly missed by residents and team members alike over the past year. We are thrilled to be able to spend time with her again, and judging by the amount of fuss and treats she has received already, we think she’s happy to be back too!”

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, bar and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information on Mountfitchet House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Laura Cook, on 01279 883849, or email laura.cook@careuk.com

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/mountfitchet-house