Local care home hires new ‘Head of Happiness’

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

The adorable Biscuit, a Shih Tzu, has joined the team at Care UK’s Silversprings, on Tenpenny Hill, as ‘Head of Happiness’ – her duties include being on hand for residents to fuss, walk, or simply spend time with. 

Having a dog spend time in the care home not only encourages residents to get outdoors, walking their canine companion, leading to physical benefits, but taking care of Biscuit can also help them find a sense of purpose later in life.

Despite being new to the role, six-year-old Biscuit has impressed everyone with her ability to work alongside her owner, Business Administrator and Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Tracey-Ann Silve, and instantly brighten the room whenever she walks in. 

Biscuit has even developed her own management style, taking walkabout 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.

Resident, Maggie, said: “We all love having a cuddle with Biscuit when she visits. She is so cute and friendly!”

Joanne Rix, Home Manager at Silversprings, added: “We have seen other Care UK homes appoint their own canine colleagues and we knew that we had found the perfect one to take up the role at Silversprings. She can often be found being fussed over by a resident – the home simply wouldn’t be the same without her.

“Studies have shown that introducing dogs into care homes can help lift people’s mood and increase social interaction. The human-animal bond is powerful in promoting self-esteem and wellbeing, and ‘Heads of Happiness’ like Biscuit, are brilliant at doing this.”

Silversprings is a modern 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 a choice of lounges and dining rooms, facilities such as an activity room and hair salon, and plenty of outdoor space to sit and relax.

For more information on Silversprings, please call Customer Relations Manager, Lisa O’Sullivan, on 01206 809173, or email lisa.osullivan@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/silversprings.